Be Vigilant!

A popular saying goes like this: ‘one of the greatest tricks the enemy ever pulled was to convince the world that he does not exist’. This statement is very true especially in the light of arguments put forward by those referred to as ‘free thinkers’. As one of them before I was arrested by Jesus Christ, I believed that every human was ultimately responsible for his/her actions. I, then, argued that no external force can make a human do what he/she does not want to do. The reason the action was carried out in the first place, my reasoning, is that the person had an innate desire and when the opportunity came, it was easy to carry out the action. Coming to Christ, I have heard some Believers in Christ argue that the enemy can no longer lead a born-again Christian astray…and many like arguments! Thinking in either of the schools of thought is naïve and terribly dangerous. Whether we agree or not, the human has a formidable foe that is bent on degrading, stealing from him, killing and destroying him! This formidable foe uses all manner of tactics and tricks to achieve its wicked aim. To better understand this, let’s go back to the beginning.

In Revelation 12:7-9, the Bible talked about the great celestial conflict between the Angels of God led by the Archangel Michael and the angels loyal to Lucifer. According to the Scripture, Lucifer (the devil or dragon) was defeated and was thrown out of Heaven to earth with his loyal angels (demons). As a result of this, after creating man (male and female), God instructed them to: “…Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:28a). The word ‘subdue’ connotes to reduce the force of something and to prevent it from existing or developing. Thus, that instruction was to alert the human to the presence of a malevolent entity; if not subdued, it is capable of causing great harm and evil. Adam and the woman’s complacence to this warning cost them the Garden. Friends, continuous disregard for this instruction have caused so many their peace, joy, hope, faith, love and even their very lives. To remind us of this warning, God told us again: “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a roaring [in fierce hunger] seeking someone to seize upon and devour” (1Peter 5:8, AMP). It will be foolhardy to be naïve or ignorant about the devices and tricks of the devil. The only way to recognize them is when we are sober minded and vigilant. It is a terrible delusion to think it does not exist thereby throwing caution to the wind (Ephesians 6:12). Friend, to have continuous victory and live the lives we have been created to live, we must be mindful to: “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, AMP).

Therefore, quit making excuses for the devil as it is been done politically, socially now; but clear your mind, reassess your situation and return back to the Lord physically, mentally (emotionally), intellectually and spiritually: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no foe can withstand]” (Psalm 91:1, AMP). This decision to return and remain under the shadow of the almighty can only be made by a balanced mind. Ask the Lord for His help, run into Him (He is the Unshakeable Rock of Ages); He will hide you, keep you safe and do battle with the enemy of your soul on your behalf: “Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless. With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes” (Psalm 60:11-12). God’s mandate concerning you and I is to give us our victories as we remain constantly and consistently in Him. The grace to take this decision is released to you in Jesus Christ name. God bless you.