Liberties

Is it possible for Satan to speak truth; well, that depends on what you call truth. So, for this discussion, let us separate truth from facts. Some things are both truth and fact, some things are either one or the other. Take for example: liberties.

Liberties--from the Christian perspective--are those things which we are able to do because we are not bound by the law, such as eating pork. Drinking alcohol is another strong example and one that raises much controversy. We are not required to strictly abstain from alcohol but are commanded not to give ourselves to drunkenness. However, we are admonished by the Apostle Paul to surrender our liberties (in this case drinking) for the sake of one who is weaker--meaning if my friend, brother, or someone random watching me drink could be led astray or allow themselves to be given to temptation by what they see, I should not drink but instead abstain. What happens though is the war between truth and fact.

Truth: I should abstain and surrender my liberty for my brother and be more concerned for his spiritual well being than for my personal desire.

Fact: He is ultimately responsible for him and I am responsible for me. Furthermore, this is what the liberty is for, to use it.

The difference here may not be apparent at first, but in the right light, it becomes clear. The facts presented here are not what is in error, it is the purpose for which they are arguing. These facts are ultimately seeking to serve self, not Jesus or my brother. In serving Jesus, we serve our fellow man, not ourselves. James tells us that we don't get things because we don't ask, but when we do ask, we ask for the wrong reasons. We want to fulfill our pleasures. This is the same thing. We use the facts of the Bible and (specifically in this case) our liberties to consume and have the things we want, but we don't deserve anything; we are saved by grace.

How can we in all conscience decide to put ourselves before anyone else when we only exist in this spiritual reality because God humbled Himself to dying on a cross? He gave His life, yet we can't seem to sacrifice a beer, or a bar-b-q sandwich (and I know how difficult it is, believe me). We bicker and moan about our rights, but truly, do we have any?

The next time you want something, anything, consider the people around you. Whether you know them or not. How will they view what you do? Could it possibly take them farther from Jesus? If the answer is yes and the voice of reason tells you, "It's not a big deal. Is it really gonna hurt or do all that stuff?", then that is not God. You're battling facts. You need to pick up the truth and trump the facts to put them in their proper place. Facts without truth are dangerous and rebellious. That is how Satan works.

Questions

One of the biggest areas in which Satan tries to attack us is questions--not only asking them, but then trying to make us feel guilty about asking them. Allow me to elaborate...

Questions are good things. Much in the same way that music, art, and sex are all made by God but twisted by evil, questions come from the inquisitive minds that God gave us. The beautifully crafted desire to learn and understand the things around us leads to many wonderful discoveries. From medicine to flight, from planets to pastries (I really like the pastry part), the desire to know more leads us down some profound roads. It is this same desire, from the same inquisitive questioning, that we seek to know God more--to understand His ways and who He is. What happens though, is that Satan uses this gift to trap our heart and then ask the wrong questions.

David asked, "Where are you God, will you forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1, paraphrased) This question is not asked out of anger, or spite, but more of a longing. He knows God's promises, but he doesn't see them happening in his life. His questions are not challenging God, they're simply seeking to understand Him. However, someone may ask this exact question--with the same words--but a different heart; it then carries a whole new meaning. To ask this from the standpoint of, "Where are you now, huh?! That's what I thought! You don't really care!", carries a challenge to God. Knowledge and wisdom are no longer sought, but rather a desire to show God's promises false. Now, the argument does not desire an answer--only conflict. Questions that are formed with the intention not of receiving answers, but that only exist to build and fuel doubt and fear, are not from God--but Satan.

Satan will convincingly whisper, "You're allowed to ask, what's the harm in it?" But soon, he tries to plant the seeds of bitterness and resentment. This is ultimately the difference between the Pharisees and Jesus' disciples. The disciples had questions, but their questions were asked to gain understanding. The Pharisees' questions were to challenge--unconcerned with an answer.

Be on guard for the heart and the reason behind the questions. Are you truly seeking understanding and/or an answer, or are you simply venting, trying and challenging God? Examining the heart can let you know if the questions are guided by the Holy Spirit, or Satan.

In any battle, it is important to know a few things. You must know where the battle is, what the "rules of engagement" are, and most importantly, who your enemy is. This means more than simply having a name or target, but you must study this enemy. You must know his/her characteristics, their habits, and how they operate. How do they react when pressured? Do they withdraw or is it merely a trap? Studying your enemy is a key element to any strategy.

As Christians, we are in a war. We must not only know what our weapons are and where we fight, but we must also be able to recognize our enemy. Many times, we simply do not recognize the subtleties when he is near. This book seeks to expose and educate in order to arm and fully prepare those who are called to fight this fight. Yes, that includes you.

Keep track of this site, periodically I will be posting excerpts from my new book, "Know Thy Enemy". Feel free to provide feedback and anything you would like to add.