Flaunting

When did it happen. I can’t pinpoint the moment exactly but the enemy has made some bold moves in my lifetime.

He used to sneak.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Then he stopped hiding and became an accepted part of society. A society that worships what feels good to self instead of what is Godly.

“He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Finally to what we see today as the father of lies, our enemy, flaunts sin wildly for all the world to see,and it is accepted. Not only accepted but we are considered offensive, unaccepting, unloving, and counter culture to say it is not ok. The world is so deceived they don’t even know the enemy is working against them.

A pure heart is like pure gold—soft, tender, and pliable. Hebrews 3:13 states that hearts are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin! If we do not deal with an offense, it will produce more fruit of sin, such as bitterness, anger, and resentment. This added substance hardens our hearts just as alloys harden gold. This reduces or removes tenderness, creating a loss of sensitivity. We are hindered in our ability to hear God’s voice. Our accuracy to see is darkened. This is a perfect setting for deception.

John Bevere, The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense

It has happened in my lifetime. The enemy doesn’t sneak, doesn’t just work in groups, but is in your face flaunting his schemes, lies, and sin to the world. Wearing the cross, praying, thanking Jesus, or proclaiming a verse is considered offensive while lust, greed, and idolatry are considered acceptable. We were warned, but we have stopped listening. We as an earthly mortal people have gone beyond whining in the wilderness to blatantly dishonoring our creator every minute of every day.

My sisters in Christ, do not back down, do not give in. Stay strong in the faith. Rise up and let them be offended by your truth and your light. Put on the full armor of our God!