My five-year-old son is fascinated with super heroes and their arch enemies. He has even invented his own super hero identity - "El Kidre". He pulled it from his wild imagination, so I have no idea what it means, maybe just "the kid". Anyway, he claims to have many arch enemies, including at least one neighborhood dog. When he gets in costume and goes in search of a foe to defeat, I wonder if he ever thinks of his real arch enemy, Satan.
I often forget to arm myself for the spiritual battles of the day and sometimes don't spare a thought for how I will defend against Satan's attacks. James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." I think that translates to fighting my enemy at every turn.
Knowing the enemy is an important factor in warfare and spiritual warfare is no different. I can be certain that Satan will not identify himself by wearing horns or claiming to be evil, but rather sneak under my radar as a decadent piece of chocolate, a juicy bit of gossip, an attractive and flirty member of the opposite sex or an overpriced pair of adorable shoes that's just not in the budget.
I wish all my battles could be as imaginary and successful as my son's, but my arch enemy is real and he will do everything is his power to wear down my resistance, if I bother to resist in the first place.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith . . ." - 1 Peter 5:8-9.
This week let's all draw strength from God's word, prepare with prayer and resist the enemy!