“By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6).

Neil Anderson and Timothy Warner say that “Satan loves to be ignored.”* 

What do they mean?

Think about it. If the Devil jumped out from behind every bush with horns and a pitch fork, we’d easily be able to identify and reject him. 

He is, therefore, a master of subtlety. The comment that he loves to be ignored is about going undetected, just how an enemy spy wants to remain unnoticed so that he can do his work more effectively.

While in camouflage, the evil one and his workers love to promote ideas and actions that put a wedge between us and God. A little bit here, and a little bit there, until we are walking the broad path to destruction, instead of the narrow path to eternal life.

Writing in the 1700’s, Jonathan Edwards had some very practical advice about this very topic. In short, he said that we should make choices which lead us toward God and away from evil.** If we do that, we’ll be increasingly protected against deception. For example…

When our regard for Jesus and the gospel increases, we are headed in the right direction.

When our regard for Scripture increases along with our confidence in it, we are headed in the right direction.

When we are led into God’s truth, we are headed in the right direction.

When our love for God and other people increases, we are headed in the right direction. 

We shouldn’t ignore the evil one. But we also don’t need to obsess over him. We should take him seriously, pray as Jesus taught us, and keep moving forward on the narrow path. 

“By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

Notes:

-*Neil T. Anderson and Timothy M. Warner, The Essential Guide to Spiritual Warfare (Minneapolis: BethanyHouse, 2000), 142.

-**Summarized and language updated from: Jonathan Edwards, “The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God” In Jonathan Edwards on Revival (Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1965).

-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on October 20, 2025.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.