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Who Are You Listening To?

Satan really isn’t creative enough to come up with new strategies. He still takes a little bit of truth, twists it, adds a lie, mixes in an appeal to human emotion, and casts doubt that leads to sin.

In his first temptation, the serpent told Eve that her eyes would be open (true) and that she would know good from evil (true) if she ate the fruit. Then, he added a full-on assault on God’s character, implying that he was withholding something good from her and was just trying to scare her away from eating it to keep her in the dark and missing out on the best (lie).

Several core issues arise from this devastating event. First, the Bible says to resist the devil rather than engage him in conversation! Why was Eve listening to him, and why would we? Secondly, you can build your life upon the most fundamental tenants of faith: God is good, faithful, and trustworthy. Even when you don’t understand life, you can trust God because His character is pure, and His plans for you are good.

God speaks to you through His word, creation, and His Spirit. Satan also seeks to speak to us, using media, teachers, and culture to assault God’s credibility. Jesus told his followers to be careful what they hear (Mark 4:24).

Question: If you are honest, whose voice has the most sway in your life? A friend? Social media? Music lyrics? News analysts? Educators?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for ever doubting your goodness and seeking my own welfare apart from your will in any area of my life, whether career, finances, or relationships. Help me to walk with you as Adam and Eve did before their fall and to follow you in total trust.