“There is an enemy and he is after something in your life and it is the truth. And I fear that we do not take [this] seriously enough…If I were your enemy, I would make you numb and distract you from God’s story. I would use technology, social media, Netflix, travel, food, wine, comfort. And I wouldn’t tempt you with notably bad things or you would get suspicious. I would distract you with everyday comforts that slowly feed you a different story and make you forget God. Then you would dismiss the Spirit’s leading in you, loving you and comforting you, then you would love comfort more than surrender, obedience, and the saving of souls.” (Jennie Allen, Disciple a Generation)

Did you know that we have an enemy? He is not some cartoon character with horns and a pitchfork. He was once an archangel in God’s very presence, but he chose pride and ambition above service to God and was thrown out of heaven. His very nature is contrary to God’s and his only purpose is to kill and destroy the followers of Christ. Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

I think it is very obvious that we are under attack. The bible says that in the last days, good will be bad and bad will be good. Paul wrote to Timothy, “But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Does that sound familiar? Have I got your attention? It can be said that every generation has felt that things couldn’t possibly get worse, and I certainly feel that is true for today, so what are we, the church, supposed to be doing?

I would submit to you that we, the body of Christ, are to be engaging our world! Praying, teaching, and discipling. But we cannot do that if we are distracted. If our attention has been drawn away, we are unable to concentrate on what the Spirit is leading us to do. What then is the answer? We are to be alert. We are to be vigilant. We are to focus our attention on the things of God and not be lovers of the things of this world. Do not be distracted by the shell game that Satan is waging against us!  I realize this is very difficult and that is why it feels we are losing the battle. We are all pulled in so many different directions in this life. But we must push through and keep our focus on Him who died that we may live. Imagine the difference the body of believers could make if we are all singularly focused on the cross? Let’s make sure that we are speaking the truth until the day comes, that Christ returns to call us home!