If they were obvious, I wouldn’t fall for them. If they produced immediate deadly consequences, I would resist. However, due to their subtlety, I lose my focus on Christ and become ensnared. I’m talking about the deceptive distractions used by the world’s false prophets and their teaching. I often look for them within the church’s walls, but to be honest, I see them more in my home (via TV, computer, radio, etc.), place of employment (i.e. selfish business practitioners), schools (by providing untrue and irrational relational advice/expectations), etc. Even family members have been used by the enemy to loosen my footing upon the Solid Rock. No wonder Jesus likens false teachers and prophets to ravenous wolves. (Pause for Thought: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly, they are ferocious wolves.”—Matthew 7:15. How do the false teachers in your life “come to you”? How quickly do you determine them to be false? What do you use to determine the un-truths? What measures do you take upon discovering the falsehoods?)
Contrary to popular belief, a wolf and its pack will pursue and kill about anything—not just the young, old, or weak. If conditions are right, and the pack is in accord, wolves will kill a full grown, healthy bull moose—the largest animal in the deer family. God has given the bull-moose razor sharp hooves and massive antlers, and these divine defensive weapons will more than cause a hurt for the wolf. Wolves know this and understand, to successfully attack a moose, they must cause it to turn and run. The alpha female wolf will feign (deceptive distraction) a frontal charge at the moose in hopes of getting it running out of fear. The pack will pursue the beast nipping and biting its hind quarters to weaken it from exhaustion and loss of blood. (Pause for Thought: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”—Matthew 10:16. What does Jesus mean by being “shrewd as snakes” and “innocent as doves”? Is something or someone pursuing you and your family right now? Have you inquired of the Lord in regards to gaining wisdom on how to handle the deceptive and/or distractive situation?)
Once the moose is exhausted, the pack will wait a long time until it becomes convenient and free of harm to kill the moose. Only when the moose has become completely distracted with fatigue and fear, will the pack kill it by attacking its head and throat. (Pause for Thought: “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”—James 1:14-15. As a father, I’ve noted some of my own rationalizations and statements that tell me I’m being deceived, distracted, and pursued. I’ve learned to listen and watch for these telling signs in my son and family: “It’s not fair…”, “I don’t deserve to be…”, “When is it my time/opportunity to…”, “At least I’m better than…”, “But it’s Christmas {substitute any event, holiday, or happening when Christ isn’t the center focus of attention} time…”).
Our enemy, the Devil, is never distracted, however, our Savior and King is never distracted either. God knew, before he made us, what it would take to turn us around and for us to stand our ground when the Enemy comes to us – Emmanuel – God With Us! “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!—Roman 7:24-25. Your family and you are worth the Son of God.
