We are in a conflict for our spiritual wellbeing as well as that of our families. And while Satan is not some red flannel-wearing imp with a pitchfork and a long tail, there most certainly is a devil, and he is much more than a Halloween costume or a little guy that rests on your shoulder and attempts to persuade you to ignore the angel on the other one. Satan is a spiritual being.
Paul told the Ephesians that
“. . . we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). And our spiritual foe’s purpose is quite clear. He comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy!
While he is anything but omnipotent, we would disregard this spiritual deceiver at our own peril! No, he does not have the power or the authority to make anyone walk away from God. Still, he is an experienced and wily foe, who has deceived and corrupted mankind from the beginning of time, so it behooves us to know our enemy! “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (II Corinthians 2:11).