There is an image that has been popping into my head as of late – an image that I haven’t seen since my childhood.
Perhaps you recall in various animated cartoons the image of an angel and a devil on a person’s shoulder. The angel is saying what you should be doing while the devil tries to have the opposite happen. The person is completely torn on which to choose. It is surely the battle of good and evil.
You and I face the same challenge day after day. The Evil One is always on our shoulder trying to make us choose the wrong path. I think there are four ways that we are attacked in our spiritual battle.
- Distraction. This is when we are headed down the right path and something more enticing shifts our attention away from our goal. We suddenly find ourselves headed down a different path. We always must keep our eyes locked onto what God wants us to do and where God needs us to be. That is our destiny and purpose.
- Dryness. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in other things and activities (worldly attachments) that we neglect our spiritual needs. And once we dry up, it’s very difficult to find our way back. We must moisturize our spiritual life by daily practices of prayer and being of service to others. When we take the focus off of self, we become selfless and redirect our emphasis on helping others in need, bringing new life to our dry spirits.
- Discouragement. How many times have we become discouraged, disappointed, or disillusioned because our prayers were not answered in the way we had hoped? When this happens, our basic human reaction is to stop trusting in God. But we need to remember that God hears our prayers and always answers our prayers – just not always in the way we want. God may not give us what we want, but God will always give us what we need.
- Lack of faith. Discouragement often leads to lack of faith. In fact, the Evil One is counting on that. When someone questions our beliefs, how do we respond? Do we cave in due to our own self-doubt, or do we honorably defend our faith? Do we seek to find answers to unknown faith questions or do we give in and give up?
You and I are under constant attack by the many temptations we face every day. It’s time that we start listening to the angel on our shoulder. May we pray for the strength to resist all forces of evil and build our faith on the sturdy rock of Jesus Christ.
Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. ~1Peter 5:8
Are you facing temptation? Find out what to do here.
