Schemes March 22, 2016

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
 Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV

Kristi and I are currently watching the "Northern Exposure" series on DVDs.  We watch 3-4 episodes a week at dinner time.  While several episodes are memorable, other not so much.  Last week we watched an episode entitled "The Robe".  One of the three story lines for this particular show was Shelly being tempted by an offer from the Devil (in the guise of a spa salesman) to fulfill her wildest dream.  Throughout the show the "salesman" is at times forceful, casual, or insightful, but ever-present.

As I read today's verse, I thought of the word "schemes".  That speaks to an on-going, intentional, planned set of events.  Not the random "devil-made-me-do-it" temptation.  Scripture makes several references to fleeing temptation, and that is certainly advice we need to follow.

But avoiding sin is not all about reacting to this temptation or that opportunity to sin.  Satan is a schemer.  He sits and waits.  He plans and conspires.  Our downfall might come after multiple pieces of Satan's plan have been put in place.

The business man who contacts the Ashley Madison website didn't wake up and decide to have an adulterous affair with a stranger while on a business meeting in Chicago.  Satan has been working for months even years.  Small disagreements with his wife never resolved.  A slow erosion of quiet time.  The extinction of church attendance.  All were building blocks that separated him from God and his wife.

Yes, fleeing is necessary.  But just as necessary is an awareness that Satan may be using small victories today for that monumental fall next year.  Situations will arise.  From those we flee.  Schemes are present.  Be ever vigilant.