Satan's 4 Ds

This year, Dan Park, the Executive Director of our school, has been doing a weekly devotional about spiritual warfare. Now, I am not saying that everything bad that happens to us is a direct attack of the servants of the underworld, but the Bible does say that we are in a battle that is not part of this physical world.

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

 

In one of our sessions, Dan explain 4 major ways that Satan tries to stop us, or at least make us ineffective. The following is my thoughts on his words.

 

Distraction

Distractions are all around us and each of us have our own personal set. It could be technology. Phones have become to be viewed as a basic necessity, yet much of our time spent on them seems to be mindless scrolling of pictures and trivial ideas. Television if not controlled can become nothing more than a mind-numbing pacifier for the stress of the day. Computers are a great tool to boost productivity, but they can also become a game-filled quicksand pit of wasted time. Even hobbies can become so obsessive that they keep us from the important things we need to do.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

 

Discouragement

Let’s face it. Life can be hard. It can feel like for every three steps you take forward, you slide back two. It is important that we keep good friends near us who can encourage us. Try not to dwell to heavily on the past. Learn from it, but don’t let it stop you from what you need to accomplish.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

 

Deception

AI. Liberal reporting. Politicians. It is becoming harder and harder to find the truth. Falsehood can be shouted so loud, or so long that is can become believed. Guard against it. Know what the scriptures say and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. We have to know what we believe and confront falsehood when we come across it.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

 

 

Defilement

Defiled means to be Sullied, marred or Spoiled. One simple slipup can ruin a reputation. One laps of judgment can result in a lost friendship, job, or even bring legal consequences. Sin can defile us and cause us to draw away from God. We no longer are able to do the good works that God has intended for us to do. It is up to us to know our limitations and to set proper boundaries. Work tirelessly to remain pure so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus for those that need Him.  

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

 

I hope this helps!