The devil's deception is often in the small details

 The Devil's deception is often in the small details

The devil, referred to as the father of lies in John 8:44, employs deception as his primary weapon. These deceptions are incredibly subtle, intricately woven into the smallest of details. It is due to our lack of knowledge and incomplete dependence on God, that we often succumb to the deceitful schemes of the devil and become victims of his lies.

     How do true believers in Christ fall victim to the lies of the devil? This often happens in subtle ways within their thoughts, even among believers who diligently seek God and study their Bible. Scripture warns us, "But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). This verse cautions us that just as Satan deceived Eve with persuasive and seemingly logical words, he can also deceive us easily. 

     Let's consider this from a different perspective. Sometimes, God's ways may not make sense to us, especially when He leads us in directions that seem unfamiliar or illogical. Scripture emphasizes that our ways and thoughts are not like God's ways and thoughts, and the difference is as vast as the distance between heaven and earth (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is beyond our human comprehension unless God reveals it to us. Moreover, God often does not reveal His entire plan to us at once. In such moments, when we choose not to obey Him, we fall victim to Satan's deception.

      As human beings, when we lack the full understanding or knowledge of God's plan, our logic can come into play. It is at this point that the seducing spirit (1 Timothy 4:1), which is the devil in disguise, tempts us with reasoning that aligns with our fleshly desires. This is why we must be vigilant and rely on God's wisdom and guidance to discern the truth and resist the lies of the enemy.

     Let's use a scenario in some sense, similar to the movies we've watched, where we encounter a person standing at the crossroads of a decision. On one side, there is the portrayal of a devil with a pitchfork, while on the other side, an angel appears. However, it's often observed that the character is enticed by the devil's charm or appeal and how easy or uncomplicated it seems. Now, let's consider a believer in Christ facing the same scenario. Why do they also fall for the schemes of lies? It is because they are not fully dependent on God or their minds are not fully saturated with God's word, which serves as a guiding light to discern the truth, even in the smallest of details. 

     Let me provide an example of how the devil uses deception in subtle ways, particularly in the small details. Imagine the Holy Spirit prompting you to start reading the Bible in order to deepen your understanding of God and grasp the rules of engagement. With a genuine desire to know your God, you schedule dedicated time for studying Scripture and strive for consistency. However, you find yourself easily distracted or frequently falling asleep whenever you attempt to read. Determined, you turn to an audio Bible, but the same obstacles persist. Frustration sets in, and you may even seek God's help, yet still find yourself struggling to stay awake. Then, a voice whispers in your mind (seducing spirit), questioning whether it's truly necessary to read the Bible every day. After all, I attend church every Sunday and Bible study weekly. I have a knowledgeable pastor and listen to online preachers who teach sound doctrine. I believe that I already possess sufficient knowledge of God's Word. Reading the Bible every day isn't essential; God understands my busy schedule. In succumbing to this deception, you return to your old routine. This scenario illustrates the devil's deceit in the small details. While it may not be a sin to forgo daily Bible reading and listening to preachers can aid in your growth, you overlook the fact that you are disobeying the prompting of the Holy Spirit and relying solely on human sources for your understanding of God. Additionally, you deprive yourself of the personal experience of encountering God through His Word.

    The scripture reveals, "But through knowledge, the righteous will be delivered" (Proverbs 11:9b). Upon pondering its meaning and thinking about it for a second, when we comprehend that possessing knowledge plays a vital role in the deliverance of the righteous. It signifies that truth and understanding direct our paths. In parallel, another scripture states, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). These verses highlight the profound importance of truth and knowledge and how it set us free.

     We are warned about the significance of truth and knowledge to shield ourselves from the deception and lies of the Devil. By acquiring knowledge and deepening our understanding, particularly through the truths revealed in God's Word, we equip ourselves with the discernment required to identify and resist the cunning schemes employed by the enemy. Through this knowledge and truth, we fortify ourselves, ensuring that we do not fall victim to the deceitful tactics employed by the Devil.

      The truth starts with humbling ourselves before God. In our relationship with Jesus, as Christians, we often emphasize Him as our Lord and Savior. However, the reality is that many Christians, through their actions, demonstrate that Jesus is more seen as their Savior than their Lord. When Jesus is genuinely our Lord, we surrender ourselves wholeheartedly to Him without reservation. We recognize His authority over every area of our lives, which means we strive to follow His teachings and strive to become more like Him. Above all, we are thankful that He saved and reconciled us to God by bridging the gap with our Heavenly Father.

     My dear brethren in Christ, let us ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the devil's deception in the small details, for it is in those subtle moments that he often ensnares us. Begin by diligently reading your Bible, for the Holy Spirit utilizes what is stored in your heart. Hey believers! Bible time! Open your book, let God's words work their power and transformation, and keep the devil at bay!

Cultivating a prayer life is of paramount importance for your spiritual journey, particularly in a fast-paced society where allocating exclusive time for prayer can be challenging. The solution is clear: "Simply Prayer for Our Daily Journey," a scripture-enriched prayer book designed for all aspects of life. Additionally, pair it with a Faith-building scripture book to assist you in persevering through the waiting time on God’s promises and strengthening your faith. However, it's essential to note that this prayer book doesn't replace genuine, quality time with God; you must spend dedicated time with Him.