Scoring Points

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)

American football is a strategic game that involves strength, speed, and skills. Unlike other popular team sports, there are many ways to score points. A touchdown is when a player receives the ball behind the opposing team’s goal line. This earns six points. A field goal is when the kicker gets the ball through the uprights between the goalposts. This earns three points. If the offensive ball-carrier is tackled or fumbles the ball in his own end zone, this is called a safety. It gives the opposing team two points. In addition to these, a team can earn extra points and two-point conversions. 

The devil also has many ways of scoring points. He is the father of lies. He uses deception and doubt to provoke deviant behavior. He inflicts trauma and injustice to cause discouragement. He will use your weaknesses against you. His goal is to turn you away from God and he will use any means necessary to do so.

“The devil cannot make a good person bad. The devil makes a flawed person worse. The devil plays on what's already in you. He aggravates what's already in you through lies.” (Tim Keller) 

The devil scores points through making you believe that your circumstances are unique. He inflames selfishness. He stirs up discontent. He intensifies self-pity. He aggravates your flaws and makes things worse.

“Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (1 Peter 5:9 NLT)

How do you score points against the devil? You stand firm against him in faith. You continually trust God in the midst of unfairness and suffering. You don’t take matters into your own hands. Instead, you rely on the Lord completely. Like children, sometimes we may ask for things that are harmful. Some unanswered prayers may be protective from an eternal perspective. Remember, God is omniscient and omnipotent. Our Father in heaven is a giver of good gifts.

Lord, defend our minds from the infiltration of evil. Help us to stand firm in faith. Teach us to trust You.