Stop His Lies in Their Tracks

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  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 6:11-12  (NIV) 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) 

Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:43-44   (NIV) 

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4a  (NLT) 

My heart is hurting for our country. There's so much complaining and quarreling, so much finger-pointing, so much hate...especially now, with the election drawing near.  The devil, who's “a liar and the father of lies” is to blame.  He “schemes”, he “blinds the minds of unbelievers”, he “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour”.  He's sneaky, and uses a variety of tactics to divide us and pull us away from God.  He finds ways to get in our heads and feed us lies when we're most vulnerable (ie stressed, tired, sick).  He hopes we'll latch onto those lies (about ourselves or someone else)--and let our emotions run away with us.   

I believe he often uses the media as his weapon.  I've seen various media outlets put their own spin on a story...or maybe even post “fake news”.  It seems they want to raise our ire, make it “interesting” or sway our beliefs on certain issues.  In fact, Jim Kuypers, a professor of Communication at Virginia Tech University, has done extensive research on how the media “frames” news stories.  This “framing” may make us jump to conclusions, gossip, or post angry and accusing comments on social media...adding fuel to the fire and widening the division between political parties, our neighbors and fellow Americans.  

Sadly, we've all been affected by the divide that's been created in our country.  We must  consider this: "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:24-25)  We must stop his lies in their tracks by immediately recognizing them, and counteracting them with God's Truth.  And if ever we're not sure what the Truth is, we should ask God to reveal it to us.  

Obviously, we don't (and won't) all think alike on certain issues. But maybe we could just agree to disagree?  I'm aware there are injustices to be righted, but we must carefully consider how we go about righting them.  We should: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3)  I firmly believe, if we don't live by this scripture, it matters little who wins this election. 

Prayer: God of Truth, forgive us for latching onto the lies the devil feeds us.  Help us to “be alert and of sober mind” so we can “resist him, standing firm in the faith.”  Please bring unity to our divided country, Lord.  Amen. 

Sharon Irvin