A lot of people don’t think about Satan very much.

Sure, they read about him in the Bible sometimes, and hear an allusion to him in a movie now and then.

But he probably doesn’t really figure into their daily thoughts.

But that’s the thing. He often DOES figure into our daily thoughts. It’s just that we’re not aware of how he works.

Jesus calls Satan the “father of lies” (John 8:44). And the lies he plants often go unchecked. Why? Because we think the lies in our own heads are coming from us—and not from the evil one.

But what if they were?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you’re possessed. And I’m not saying Satan is the author of every bad thought you have.

But you need to be confident about who you are as a follower of Jesus. This helps you stand strong and identify the Deceiver’s lies before they take root.

If you belong to Christ you are…
a child of God
a member of his very own body
loved
a citizen of heaven
salt of the earth
God’s co-worker
God’s temple
valuable
chosen to do good works
redeemed and forgiven
seated with Christ in the heavenly realms
able to access God directly through the Holy Spirit
able to do all things through Christ who gives you strength!

If that’s who you truly are, why in the world would you ever allow the smallest thought of self-deprecating and self-defeating discouragement to enter your head?

God encourages. Satan discourages.

Remember that.

Maybe this Satan stuff is new to you. Maybe you’ve never taken it seriously. Maybe you think I’m crazy. But if Jesus takes Satan seriously, we should too. It’s important for us to live life with both eyes open. Satan’s greatest achievement in modern times is convincing thoughtful people he’s not really there.

So stand tall. Be unafraid. Root yourself in the truth of who God made you to be.

Living in the light of that truth crushes the head of the one who would love to suck the confidence from your soul.

God encourages. Satan discourages. Who are you going to listen to?

By Matthew Ruttan