All of humanity has one enemy. He’s “the great dragon … that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). He is cunning and treacherous. His words appeal to our sinful nature. Yet, those words are full of lies that lead to destruction and everlasting death. Every day, this enemy claims souls that die without having come into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The devil is the ultimate thief, and “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10a). Those under his influence are the very vessels that carry out his will; they are our adversaries and enemies of Jesus. They can appear as coworkers, family members, “friends,” husbands, wives, business partners, those who have taken oaths to protect and care for us, neighbors, and even members of the church.

Do Not Be Surprised

When it comes to this fallen world, no amount of wickedness should shock us. The Bible gives numerous accounts concerning the evil of men. The soul without God is a soul that is capable of unimaginable evils. The Bible lays it out like this: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). It has all been done before. There are no new sins, and man’s nature is and always has been full of corruption. Since the fall of man, wickedness has remained.

The world will continue in sin—injustice, war, murder, suicide, sexual immorality, robbery, hatred, division, greed, deceit, lies, and much more. They are fallen men and women being themselves—desperately wicked with no desire to do better. Such is the state of the whole world. Still, there is hope for anyone who trusts in God. Even in the darkest times, God promises to care for us if we turn to Him. God is ready to shine His light on us. His love and righteousness will always win, giving us hope and guidance if we seek Him. Let’s keep God’s truth in our hearts to encourage ourselves and to act with kindness and love, becoming examples of hope in a world drifting away from God.

Walk in the Spirit

We are engaged in a spiritual war, one that we cannot see with eyes of flesh. This is a struggle between good and evil that we can only understand through spiritual insight. Our fight is not human against human. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” This battle is one we cannot win with man-made weapons but only by walking in the Spirit without end.

Satan looks for people who are spiritually disconnected because it is easier to mislead those who do not know the Gospel truth. Sadly, most walk blindly into the trap, thinking they alone can defeat the enemy. We cannot overcome the enemy in the flesh; we must walk in the Spirit. We must pray in the Spirit. And through the Spirit, we gain victory over the enemy. To gain spiritual understanding, it helps to do things that keep us in the LORD’s presence. Spend time in prayer to seek God’s guidance and clarity. Regular Bible study can open our spiritual eyes and ears and strengthen our faith. Being with others who share our faith can support us and help us see beyond flesh and blood.

Be Vigilant

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy gains access to our hearts and minds when we push God out of our lives. We lose our way and are easily trapped. In darkness, we are blind.

We cannot afford to lose focus. Satan doesn’t lose sight of his goal; he actively seeks souls. Scripture says,

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (Job 1:6-7)

Satan is always active and always looking for people to harm. The Devil works hard to find his targets, but when we serve God, He gives us the power to resist the destroyer.

Stay Close to God

Remember that Jesus came so we “might have life, and that [we] might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b). God does not desire that evil overtake us. He loves us and cares for us in ways we cannot imagine. The only way to endure until the end is to know God, to follow Him, and to hold on to His truth at all times. To better follow His will, we can take practical steps: “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), prioritize seeking God and righteousness, maintain a strong connection with other believers, and always do good. Daily scripture reading and prayers for wisdom and strength will help us keep our faith in God, which cannot be easily shaken. We can also help others by engaging in acts of kindness and generosity and by showing compassion and love toward our neighbors. By doing those things, we grow in our spiritual journey and become examples of His truth and love in a world that needs it. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91). Under God’s shadow is our only legitimate safe space.