To understand how the Devil uses seemingly benign or even “good” things to lead us into sin, we must first recognize that at the core of all his deceptions, Satan manipulates our own hearts against us.
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9
The prophet Jeremiah teaches us that our hearts can easily be deceived. We lie to ourselves more than we lie to anyone else. We lie to ourselves about our motives, actions, intents, possible outcomes, and more. We generally always try to paint ourselves in the best light. We generally always find ways to justify our actions. We generally always can find a good reason for doing something we just want to do. We tell ourselves no one sees or knows or notices. We tell ourselves it doesn’t hurt us or others. We lie and lie and lie to ourselves.
Who is whispering those lies to our hearts? Who leads us to deceive even ourselves? It’s Satan. He manipulates our hearts and minds, turning them against us. To truly understand how he operates, we must first recognize this truth about both Satan and ourselves. Only then can we see how he can twist even love, friendships, beauty, aspirations, goals, security, peace, tolerance, and more to work against us.
If we aren’t careful and allow Satan unfettered access to our hearts and minds, it won’t be long until he has completely led us astray and away from God. We must guard our hearts against Satan’s lies. We must train our minds to look for his masks. #SinsGreatMasquerade
Adonai's Appeal 