Satan Is Not Sensational

 

That may be an odd title for a blog post. But it's true. Satan is not sensational. He is subtle, sneaky, and a complete liar.

However, one thing Satan does not mind at all, is for you and I to believe that he is in fact, sensational—just like the movies (e.g., The Exorcist, etc.) and so much of the world (e.g., Halloween celebrations, paranormal shows, etc.) like to portray him. Because if we believe the lie that he is sensational and performs his works of evil in sensational ways that frighten and confuse us, then we will easily be deceived by him when he comes to us disguised as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14)—as our friend, rather than our foe.

If we believe Satan is more powerful and has more influence over us than God has allowed him, then we will fear him rather than fear God. We will live our lives making Satan bigger than God. And Satan loves that! Afterall, thats the reason he was cast out of Heaven and destined for eternal damnation. God created Hell just for him and the other angels who joined his lightening speed revolt against God.

The father of lies wins every time when we believe he is more, or less than what he is: God and humanity's ardent enemy and accuser (Zec 3:1, Mk 1:13); the first fallen angel (Lk 10:18 Rev 12:9); the first murderer and father of lies (Jn 8:44, Mt 13:37-39, Acts 5:3); tempter of evil (Gen 3:1, 1 Chron 21:1); possesor of unbelievers (Lk 22:3, Acts 10:38); temporary under-ruler of this world (Rev 12:12).

As you can see from the Scriptures I just referenced, Satan works in the shadows (which makes sense since he lives and works in utter darkness). And he doesn't work to frustrate us with traffic, broken washing machines, and unrealized dreams. He cares nothing about those things (or really, any other thing in our lives).

Satan only has one focus of attack: God Almighty. The devil isn't interested in your day-to-day dilemmas or disappointments. Satan doesn't care if you're disappointed or deliously happy. All he cares about is whether or not you believe and trust God. That's where he's been attacking since the begining of time (Gen 3:1). If we were not God's special creation as His image-bearers, the devil would have absolutely no interest in us. Just like he as no interest in any other created thing (you never read in the Bible about Satan trying to frustrate, upset, or depress a leaf, ant, or any other created thing).

The devil only hates God. So he automatically hates us—God's only image-bearers.

There's a reason why God repeatedly warns us in His Word, not to fall for any of Satan's schemes—we already know what the foundation is: to attack and grieve God by tempting His special creation to distrust, disobey, and grieve Him (2 Cor 2:11).

All of Satan's lies stem from the one same lie, repackaged for the varied situations in our lives, "Did God actually say...?"

If Satan approached us in the goofy devil costumes, or horrorfied us with dramatic works of evil like in the movies and TV shows, then we would all, naturally, run from him rather than lisiten to him and keep company with him. And that's not his goal. Satan doesn't want to frighten us away from him. He wants to tempt us to listen to and trust him, rather than listen to and trust God.

Rather than come to you as a clear and present danger, the devil comes to you with a friendly and pleasant voice telling you everything you want to hear (Js 1:14-15)—especially about yourself (e.g., you're enough, you're smart, you're perfect just the way you are, you're worth every good you desire, etc.). He makes things appear as wonderful as you want things to be. And he makes people and situations as corrupt as you'd like to believe so that you can play the victim, rather than the perpetrator (which sometimes—you are).

So next time you want to believe anything that opposes what God has already said, or if you're not sure what God has said about a thing, then CHECK GOD'S WORD BEFORE you entertain a thought about any person, any thing, or any situation.

Trust the LORD with all your heart,
     and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
     and He will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
     fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
     and refreshment to your bones.

~Proverbs 3:5-8, ESV