Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 NRSV
I received an email from our now-retired bishop sometime last year. After a greeting that sounded nothing like the bishop, followed by a request for money because he was in a dire situation. A short time later, I received another email, this one from the office of the bishop, saying his address book had been hacked. We all likely have similar stories, emails about inheritances, phone calls from the IRS, and many more. Attempts by con artists and scammers whose intent is to take advantage of us.
The devil is the father of the con; while he's content to steal whatever he can, his real target is our souls. His first scam was in the Garden of Eden with the line to Eve, “You won't" die. God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you'll see what’s really going on. You'llwhat's be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil." (Genesis 3:4-5 MSG) Though Satan changes bait for each individual, the intent of the scam hasn't changed.
But the good news is we don't have to fall for the con. By the Holy Spirit, we have God's protection and a preternatural sense that alerts us to Satan's scams. The Spirit also gives us the courage and strength to reject the evil offer.
God, thank you for your protection against the schemes of the devil. May we be alert to the warning of the Holy Spirit and quick to reject the devil's advances. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
