Dear friend
I do not really like spending precious scripture study or meditation time on the topic of the devil. But sometimes it is useful to remind ourselves of the devil and his purposes.
Lucifer is the one who sought his own glory and so fell in that time before time. He is the one who wanted to rob us of agency. He is the one who caused a war in heaven that drew a third of the spirits after him. He is the one who has been called the Father of all Lies. He is the source of every evil and wickedness. He is our mortal and spiritual enemy. He is extremely dangerous and he should be avoided at every turn.
As we go through life, we don't want to live every moment as if devil danger were just round the corner. God's will is that we enjoy peace and happiness. However, because of Satan we must always be on our guard against his enticements, false joys, easy options and subtle suggestiveness. Just such a warning is expressed in the New Testament, 1 Peter 5:8.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
To be sober in this sense is to be serious about serious things, to have the capacity for thoughtfulness and solemnity when necessary, and to be in full control of our passions and faculties. Soberness avoids frivolity and lightmindedness.
To be vigilant is to be always aware, to be on the look out, prepared, consistent, ready to respond righteously. Vigilance avoids apathy and carelessness.
We should never, ever underestimate the devil and his deviousness. The imagery from the verse is accurate. Satan prowls over the earth like a proud lion, bellowing his self-importance. He wants to destroy every soul he can; devouring the unprepared and unprotected.
It is so important that we recognise Satan's usually well disguised traps and not fall into them; we must not.
I pray we will be sober and vigilant in defence against the devil. We can have the power to overcome him if we ask God to help us.
Samuel.
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