On the Alert

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-9a, NIV).

About a year ago, my dentist of twenty or more years, Dr. V., retired. He arranged for a replacement dentist, Dr. S., to take over his office, which was convenient for his patients. I decided to try out this new, younger dentist, Dr. S., and he is good.

Last week, however, Dr. S. informed me that a filling, placed by Dr, V. eleven years ago, now has decay around it and into the bone. Notes left by my former dentist indicate that, at the time, Dr. V.  was not able to eliminate all of the decay, as it was in my gums. He decided then to “watch it,” and periodic x-rays indicated there was no further issue.  After eleven years, however, the little spot of decay is now eating its way further into my tooth and bone.

As I reflected on some suggested treatment options this week, I decided that the decay reminds me of the schemes of Satan. Sometimes the devil comes in like a roaring lion, and his tactics might be more easily recognized and countered. At other times, however, he acts like the decay spot on my tooth, creeping in silently and eating away at one’s heart little by little. Those slow tactics might not be recognized, however, until it’s almost too late to fix things. In either case, Scripture tells us to be on the lookout for Satan’s moves, to be alert to his deceptions, and to take steps to defeat his attacks.

The apostle Paul warns of Satan’s attack (Ephesian 6:13-18) and he lists the defensive armor of God that we should be using:

the belt of truth buckled around the waist,

the breastplate of righteousness in place,

our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace,

the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one,

the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (our one offensive weapon).

Paul goes on to say that we should pray in the Spirit on all occasions, and to be alert for the attacks of the devil. Whether they come in the form of a roaring lion, or as bacteria causing decay, Satan’s attacks will destroy us if we do not counter them. God has given us the armor we need to stand against the attacks of the devil. Will we use it every day?

Let’s pray for each other for the strength to wear the armor of God, and for the vision to recognize the devil’s schemes. Blessings!