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Envy, lying, deception, greed, murder … sounds like a soap opera (so I’ve heard!).  I am not referring to the plot of a novel or a movie; I am referring to my daily Bible reading.  These vices and sins are as old as time.  I guess the old saying is true, “some things never change!”

As I have pondered the fact that man has a sinful nature, two things struck me.  First, our need of a Savior.  That fact presented itself early in our illustrious history when Adam and Eve first tasted of the forbidden fruit.  Sin entered our world that day in the Garden, and someone had to pay the price.  Even Job gave a powerful foreshadowing of our need for a Savior as he longed for an arbitrator to decide his case with God.

If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both.  Someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more.  Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot.
Job 9: 33

I praise the Lord every day for the gift of His Son on that cross because now I am frightened no more.  The price has been paid!

The second thought that has struck me in these passages is that Satan is busy in our world (Yes, the whole world!). But allow me to personalize it a bit more … and think your little world.  I am saved by the blood of the Savior, but I am certainly NOT immune to the cunning of the devil.

How sly he was in the garden!  How divisive he was in the hearts and lives of the first brothers, turning envy into murder.  How he used Lot’s greed, in undoubtedly influencing his decision for the best looking land when presented with the choice.  How quickly Job’s friends began their judgments.  And in the midst of miracles, how could the Pharisees deny and seek to trick Jesus every chance they got?  Satan is good — expertly good — at what he does!

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 …
I Peter 5:8-9a

I got devoured this week!  It was a subtle attack. I didn’t see it coming until it was too late.  But now that I see it in the light of truth, I am reminded that Satan is good at what he does!  He’s been at it since the beginning of time.  And he knows me so well … he knows us all so well.

Self-control.  Alertness.  Resistance.  Stand firm.  Yes, my Savior paid my price on the Cross.  But the Bible repeatedly warns about the power of the devil.  Even though we are assured he can roar, we can resist him.  And so in this “soap opera” world in which we must live, the Word offers hope as it always does…stay alert, resist, stand firm!