Avoiding the Net

As Christians, we are invited to "behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1). In view of Christ's astounding love, the apostle Paul asked rhetorically, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). Knowing that nothing can be laid "to the charge of God's elect" affords us great peace and spiritual confidence, enabling us to "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (Rom. 8:33; 1 Pet. 1:8). Nevertheless, we know there are daily battles to be fought as our "adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The "fiery darts" of temptation, doubt and discouragement will be encountered, and surviving such attacks requires that we "put on the whole armour of God", firmly gripping "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:13, 16-17).

Of course the first step in avoiding any type of danger is recognizing its existence. Just as "in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird", Satan's efforts to deceive are best thwarted when we can say confidently, "We are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor. 2:11). To the extent that we are aware of God's infallible truth, we will be capable of identifying Satan's lies. As you memorize Scripture, you are assimilating "good judgment and knowledge" (Ps. 119:66) that will brighten your path (Ps. 119:105), transform your mind (Rom. 12:2), and renew your strength (Isa. 40:31). As we seek to "war a good warfare" in our daily lives (1 Tim. 1:18), may we be ever mindful of the Psalmist's prayer: "by the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer" (Ps. 17:4).