Satan’s tricks, no treats
October 31, 2006
By William E. Richardson
“Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11, NKJV).
Trick or treating is an old tradition. Every Halloween, children still ring doorbells in their communities. They still chant the words, “Trick or treat.” Friendly candy-givers still drop goodies into children’s bags and buckets. But more and more families, rather than repeat the Halloween practices of their childhood, are finding alternative activities for their children.
Some prefer a physically safer, more controlled environment, like a party at a home or a church. Some want their children to have a fun night that doesn’t endorse ghouls, goblins and witchcraft. Some seek protection against scary reports of people poisoning candy.
One way or another, Halloween conjures up images of the source behind all evil, the devil. Among other things, the Bible’s descriptions of Satan let us know he tries to “ring our doorbells” in disguise. He promises treats, with an invisible smirk, while hiding some oft-used trick behind his back. Three of his most terrifying ploys are also three of his oldest.
Satan’s tricks accuse God. It’s how he poisoned Eve’s mind. He put his dark spin on what God had said. That dropped a question mark about God into Eve’s thinking. Questioning God turned Eve’s thoughts from fearing the forbidden fruit to seeing disobedience to God as “pleasant” and “desirable” (Genesis 3:6). Today, Satan slithers our way with phrases like, “A loving God would never have let that happen.” If Satan can trick us into accusing God, he can snare us into excusing our disobedient behaviors.
Satan’s tricks accuse fellow believers. The New Testament pins the old snake to the wall by identifying him as “the accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10). If Satan can muddy our thinking with suspicion and doubt about a fellow Christian, he can eventually sever an important Christian relationship. Satan’s ultimate scheme is to drive us from needed Christian interaction altogether. His trick is to plant a seed of doubt that will grow into an out-of-control weed. It all begins with a simple accusation.
Satan’s tricks accuse you. When you already feel midnight in your soul for having failed God, Satan will shriek accusations at you in the darkness. In your pain, expect the merchant of menace to bring you thoughts of guilt without thoughts of repentance. As sure as the sun cannot be seen during the blackness of night, Satan will attempt to shroud you with feelings of failure without a thought of hope. He wants you to surrender all hope in your greatest source of hope. He wants to trick you into forgetting Jesus promised to forgive our sins when we confess them (1 John 1:9).
We should know better. Examples throughout the Bible and from the lives of people in the news as well as in our own neighborhoods remind us of Satan’s evil tricks. We aren’t ignorant of his deceptions. So how do we prepare for Satan’s next visit to our door disguised with haunting lies?
Expect him. If not today, maybe tomorrow, he’ll come with his accusations against God, against fellow Christians, and/or against you.
Ask God to help you recognize Satan’s lies as tricks from the father of lies. Refuse to doubt God. Refuse to be quick to jump to conclusions about others. Keep both ears sharpened to God’s voice of truth through regular Bible reading, church attendance and prayer.
William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.
