Subtle and Crafty

In C.S. Lewis’ classic book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, one of the boys, Edmund, entered the kingdom of Narnia alone and encountered the White Witch. She used her magic to produce a wonderful-tasting drink. Edmund was impressed. When she asked what food he’d like, he requested Turkish Delight. She produced a fancy box with the very best he’d ever had.

As Edmund gorged himself, the witch pumped him for information about his brother and sisters. When he wanted more Turkish Delight, she promised to give him all he wanted…if he brought his siblings to her. Only later did he realize he had betrayed his brother and sisters because of manipulation and deception.

Lewis used this story to help us see how subtly Satan can deceive us. We see this when the serpent twisted God’s words and enticed Eve to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Like Edmund looking at Turkish Delight, she saw only a tree that “was desirable to make one wise.” Satan promised only good things, and Eve believed his lies.

Every day, we see displays of Satan’s subtle deception all around us. As Paul said, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). His ideas can seem so appealing! But the damage can be huge. This is why we must know our enemy!

Today, be on guard against the subtle deception of your enemy. He’s working day and night, looking for ways to deceive you! But God has given you what you need to resist him, to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13), and to be victorious. Be ready. Fight back!