[Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44

Sprinkle, sprinkle

My garden is home to a stand of native columbines, offspring of plants my late husband started over 30 years ago. Like many other gardening tasks, ensuring the columbines survived was something I had to learn through experience after Ray suddenly passed away one warm April evening. When I cut back the spent flowers later that spring, seeds spurted out, dotting the ground and decorating my shirt. I decided to sprinkle more around for good measure. And sprinkle I did, shaking one dried pod after another!

Months passed. Raising two young daughters alone and trying to find my footing in a world that had turned upside down consumed much of my time and energy. But winter waned, warmer days returned, and the garden beckoned me. A leisurely stroll yielded several encouraging finds – tiny plants emerging from their winter slumber.

“Hmm,” I wondered. “What could all those leaves springing up in the front bed be?”  Then I remembered scattering columbine seeds everywhere. It worked! I’ve continued the sprinkling tradition ever since, and each year I’ve been blessed with a bumper crop.

What’s That?!

When I first took stock of the returning plants, I noticed some leaves that resembled columbine foliage and had a similar growth habit. Not wanting to pull up desirable plants, I decided to let them develop until I was sure. Big mistake! By the time I figured out they were weeds, they had already taken root, matured, and produced seeds.

The impostors return each spring alongside the columbines, hiding out, hoping I won’t spot them. But after nearly three decades of careful observation and informed scrutiny, I can quickly detect the difference, even when the plants are still small. I pluck the weeds before they have a chance to get established and take over valuable garden space.

Fake Friend

Like my early dealings with the weeds, it’s easy to let questionable behavior or ungodly thoughts take root. We rationalize, “Looks like a good thing. I’m not sure, but it won’t hurt to try it out, at least until I’m certain. I can redirect later if need be.”

By the time we recognize the situation for what it is, it’s much more challenging to handle than if we had been spiritually vigilant from the start.

Unlike the weeds, which aren’t actually out to get me, we have an adversary bent on our destruction. Although Satan knows his ultimate defeat is certain, he prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy (1 Peter 5:8). He masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), tempting with promises that seem oh-so-reasonable, all while discounting potentially deadly consequences. He has used the same tactics since he first appeared on the scene (Genesis 3:1-5).

Practicing Discernment

Fortunately, there is a way to resist him. We must draw near to God, making use of the mighty armor He provides for us. Ephesians 6:17 describes the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit. We are to use it to protect our thoughts and to fend off Satan’s tempting lies. In doing so, we will be following Jesus’ example. When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, he responded to each temptation with, “It is written,” followed by an appropriate passage from Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11).

When we meditate on God’s powerful Word, we are increasingly able to test and approve what His will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2) – and to refute lies with Truth.

As the colony of columbines has become increasingly dominant over the years, there’s less room for the annoying intruders. Those that do appear don’t get to stay around long since I can now readily identify them. Just as I’ve consistently sprinkled columbine seeds and studied the resulting plants’ appearance, let us liberally sow God’s truth in our lives and cultivate its teachings. In so doing, may we more easily recognize the father of lies and weed out his wily temptations before they can entice and entangle us.

Thank You, Lord, for Your mighty Word, which is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Please help us to study it deeply and frequently so that we’re able to discern the difference between truth and deception.