The Father of Lies 

   “Be sober and vigilant.  Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5: 8) 

   The devil as a roaring lion isn’t the image that scares me the most.  A bold attack such as a lion should be pretty easy to see coming and, with the help of God, avoid.  Rather, I worry more about Satan as described in Genesis, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal God had made.” (Genesis 3: 1).

   It seems to me that the subtle attacks such as the serpent used against Eve are the most dangerous.  By his twisted logic he gently persuaded her and Adam to believe they could and should be like God, costing them their relationship with the Father and the paradise He had provided.

   The temptation to murder, abortion, adultery, or any other mortal sin would seem to be obviously wrong to most.  But slyly suggesting that watching an extra episode or two of one’s favorite television show or maybe playing an extra game of two on the computer might be easily accepted.  There doesn’t seem to be any harm in these actions, so why not?

   It’s a very slippery slope when we don’t stay on guard against the seemingly harmless temptations the Devil brings to us.  Before we even realize it, Satan may have gained a foothold in our life.  Once inside he may be able to slowly, skillfully convince us that more serious acts are acceptable as well.

   Whether the temptations be bold or subtle, our God is there to help us resist.  If we turn to Him, He will give us the strength we need to banish Satan from our lives. 

Satan is a liar, but He is sly.

His temptations sometimes appear harmless.

Strengthen me to resist.

To always look to You for strength. 

Amen