Hi ,
Happy New Year .... again!
Each year my wife and I read through the entire Bible. So, this last week we started right back at the beginning with the account of creation. Part of that account includes "the fall". It began with the directive from God to Adam and Eve that they were not to eat from one of the trees in the garden. They were also told the consequences if they did!
Here is where we get a good look at some of the tactics of the devil. It's good to be aware of them because he still employs these schemes today, customizing them to our specific circumstances.
First of all, he's a master at taking something beautiful and corrupting it. Like sex. God made something beautiful for married people to enjoy, and it has been corrupted to the max. The devil took what might possibly have been the most beautiful creature God made - the serpent - and used it to the point that God's curse on it has made it the most vile creature to humankind today. So, here are some of his
tactics:
1 - He went on the offensive immediately. This is similar to the parable that Jesus told of the sower - the birds came and ate up some of the seeds before anything could germinate! The devil will work swiftly to destroy Godly things introduced into your life.
2 - He didn't "attack" Eve - he talked to her gently and reasonably. This is akin to the idea that he often comes as an angel of light, whispering "reasonable" things into our minds.
3 - He distorted God's word. The devil often will use partial truths, which gain a foothold. He then corrupts the rest.
4 - He went to the "weaker" person, the one more likely to respond emotionally. He will often use the easy way into our lives. We each have a sin or sins which "easily beset us", and he's aware of it. He uses our weaknesses to the fullest extent he can.
5 - He replaced God's wisdom with his own. He told Eve that God had not been totally truthful with them, and that he himself was more trustworthy. This led them to their death! Ours, too!
6 - Once the damage was done, he was gone and left Adam and Eve to their own devices. He never stays around to be a help. God promises the opposite. We mess up, and He's always faithful. The devil doesn't care one bit!
Thank God that the story doesn't end with this account. We know that the head of the serpent was crushed by Jesus, as God said it would, and He has taken the penalty for our sins on Himself!
