Our children are in mortal danger. Their enemy is an ancient one, who has hated the Creator Father and all of his creation since the beginning. Remember his first attack?

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1)

Neither his goal nor his tactics have changed. Satan is still at work trying to destroy the lives of humans loved by God and created in His image. He is still lying and causing them to question God’s goodness and authority.  The words are slightly different. “Did God really say that a relationship with this person is a sin? How could a loving God say that? Did God really mean for you to live inside that uncomfortable body? He must not be a good God. He must be holding something back from you. Or probably, he didn’t really mean it that way. He has been misrepresented.”

I spent hours last week talking with several people whom I love, am close to, whose children (whom I also love) are being affected by these lies. Either they have believed the lie themselves or the devastating effects of someone else believing it have caused personal harm to the child. They are hurting. I am hurting.

Children and friends close to you are struggling with the appeal of the fruit. It looks good; it is desirable; it looks like it will bring them love, fulfillment, freedom. See all the other happy people who have eaten it!  

But the Word of God remains true forever: For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:5-6)

As I soberly consider this awesome battle and its consequences, I am brought to my knees, calling out to the all-wise and righteous King of the universe.  

“Help me to take hold of opportunities to teach your truth to my children, to my grandchildren, and to the children of ECC.

Make me bold to speak your truth.

Make me winsome so that those who are struggling will turn to me to learn your truth.

Give me wisdom and discernment from your Word for understanding the truth that will address their needs.

Fill me with the love and compassion for sinners that flows from Your heart.

Have mercy on me, a sinner often led away by my own desires.

Thank you for the gift of steadfast mercy so undeserved. For the gift of the Helper, for your power at work within me, for your word which is the lamp for my feet and the light for my path.”

Truly, in these difficult days of assault on truth, God’s word, his promises, his ways remain the same. I hope that you will make the prayer above your own and that you will take to heart these realities. “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) And  “Blessed [happy] is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord.”(Psalm 1:1-2)

Christian, the promise of the curse on the serpent is still true. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20)

Halelujah! Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!