We recently moved from a high-rise condominium into a single-family home. In doing so, we went from a highly secured building with front desk attendants and neighbors just down the hallway, to our own four walls and much more privacy. While it’s spacious and peaceful, I was aware before we even moved in that I might also feel less protected and more vulnerable.

Because we have dealt with a home invasion and robbery in the past, it was a high priority to invest in security systems, cameras, and lights. I wanted to feel secure right away and decrease any risk of intrusion. After our experience, I have become hyper vigilant about safety precautions. And while I may have a heightened need for security, I’m not that different from most people, who prefer when their surroundings are safe, predictable, and steady.

Nobody wants to be readily exposed to dangers, right?

It’s commonplace for most people to shore up weaknesses, minimize risks, and bolster their protection from harm, because we prefer feeling sure and being secure. We take supplements and workout our bodies to preserve our health. We read books and solve puzzles to sharpen our minds. We purchase insurance to safeguard ourselves from financial ruin caused by unplanned events. We carry and access instant information everywhere, so we can be fully prepared and as knowledgeable as possible. 

But are we letting our guards down to our biggest enemy?

Not to sound dramatic, but there is an enemy preying on us, and he’s hoping that we don’t even notice his sly schemes that can so imperceptibly slide right into our daily lives. Since the beginning of time, Satan has cleverly manipulated mankind with deception and temptation. With lures that are so slight, he’s truly hoping we won’t notice. And we won’t, if we’re not paying attention or addressing our vulnerabilities.

Satan is the father of lies; his native language is deceit, and there is no truth in him (John 8:44). He is cunning in his approaches, using slight twists of words to bend truth, questioning what is good while appealing to our egos, and tempting us in every way to take our eyes off of the safety and security of God and His ways. He accomplished it with Adam and Eve, marring mankind, and exposing us all to a world that was not as God intended. And although God is always sovereign over all (including Satan and everything in this world), we have to deal with the reality that this is not Heaven, and we exist in a time and place where light and darkness are co-mingled. While this shouldn’t scare us as believers, it should awaken us to be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8). We do not want to open the doors of our heart to anyone or anything that can lead us down a path of eventual destruction. We need to clearly recognize the stark contrast of a Savior who came so we can have life to the fullest, and Satan, who came to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

Satan’s tactics may be predictable, but they are often subtle. Where have we become comfortable enough to let our guard down? Are we slowly becoming numb to things that we shouldn’t? Are we accepting things that “aren’t that bad” only because by comparison, there are worse things? Are we more worried about being liked by people than by pleasing God? Are we choosing what feels good in the moment over what satisfies our souls eternally? Are we clear on where are lines should be drawn, and are we willing to hold them firmly? Are we prioritizing comfort over boldness?

These may sound like hard questions, but make no mistake, we can do all things with God (Mark 10:27)!

You may wonder, how can we see evil in the distance and reinforce ourselves for daily living? God offers us a full suit of armor to protect our vulnerabilities, and He assures us we will be strong in Him and His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10-20)!

What’s included in that armor? (Key points below. Full explanation here.)

• Belt of truth, which sets believers apart from Satan, the father of lies. Also worth noting, God hates a lying tongue and a false witness. Yes, Scripture says “hate” (Proverbs 6:16-19). We need to be tellers of truth, always, and in love.
• Breastplate of righteousness, given through Christ, imputed by God and received by faith, which guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan and secures our innermost being from his attacks. Our hearts can be fickle and more easily deceived than we may think. We need His solid protection over our most precious organ.
• Feet fitted with readiness from the gospel, with a willingness to move forward into Satan’s territory, carrying the message of grace essential to winning souls to Christ. Are you comfortable and ready to share the Gospel? It empowers us in God’s army!
• Shield of faith, that extinguishes all the flaming arrows and renders Satan’s evil schemes ineffective. The enemy will attempt to get through every crack, but our strong faith is a solid guard. We cannot let it weaken or fall away.
• Helmet of salvation, which protects our minds with the hope of Christ and will not give way to false doctrine or temptation. Our salvation equips us with the Holy Spirit, where there is the ultimate wisdom and power and our full assurance of victory over evil.
• Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Unlike all the other armor previously mentioned, this critical piece is offensive, not defensive. There is no greater spiritual weapon. In Jesus’ temptations in the desert, the Word of God was always His overpowering response to Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Bottom line: read your Bible, study the scriptures, memorize verses. If the Savior of the world used this weapon, and we also have access, we need to utilize it in the same way.
• In addition to the armor, we are told to pray in the Spirit, with the mind of Christ, with His heart, and His priorities. We cannot neglect prayer, as it is the means by which we draw spiritual strength from God. And we will need His strength, because there will be times when the struggle is real.

When our house was broken into years ago, the police told us that the robbers came at night and likely walked through the neighborhood just looking for unlocked doors and open windows. They were simply looking for easy access – a vulnerability to get inside. Satan is looking for the exact same thing in us and our lives. Our vigilance matters.

It’s time to activate our spiritual security systems, not with fear, but with God’s power and protection. As believers, we have His Holy Spirit within us, and we can clothe ourselves with His armor around us. That’s some serious strength! And we are assured, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Pray with me:

Father, God, we praise You and give You all the glory, for You are mighty like no other. You save us, secure us, and protect us, and the enemy has no chance against Your power. Lord, we recognize that without You, we are vulnerable, so please remind us and convict our hearts to prioritize You in our lives. Help us to remember each piece of Your armor, and give us the discipline to fortify ourselves in them daily. For only in You can we be confident and secure.