“…For Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” 2 Cor. 11:14b-15

We often think of Satan as a ferocious beast- a dark and evil creature that prowls about seeking to sink his fangs into his next victim. This is partly true, and it’s certainly part of the character of the enemy. Yet, more often than brute force the enemy of our souls uses something much more dangerously potent; deception.

Satan can transform himself into an angel of light and appear to be good, and may even claim to be sent from God. Why then should we be surprised if a majority of his servants look just like the rest of us or even better than the rest of us. It has been my experience to be absolutely shocked as to who all along was a demon of darkness when they seemed to shine so brightly as an angel of light.

So what can we do? How can we protect ourselves? First, this is why it is so important for you to trust and believe in the Word of God. It is the lamp for our feet and the light for our path (Psalm119:110). Without which we would not know true light from false light, and without which we are spiritually blind. Sometimes we can feel like someone is an angel sent from God, but it doesn’t matter how we feel. How does what they say and do match up to the word of God? That’s what’s important.

In the end their works will catch up with them. We can know a tree by its fruit and we can know a false prophet by theirs. A false prophet will only ever tell you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear. A false prophet will always redirect the glory away from Christ and to themselves or their ministry. In the end they will be found out. Proverbs 10:9 declares “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.”

Thankfully in our quest for truth and our battle against darkness we are not alone. For those who believe in Christ God has promised to send His Spirit of Truth to guide us into all truth- Jesus has not left us alone on this one. Christ in speaking comfort to His disciples at their fear of His promised departure stated “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:13).

This world is full of darkness; blatant darkness. Worse than that though is that it is full of darkness that looks like light. Our only hope is to turn to the Spirit of God as we read the Word of God to be our guide; listening as He speaks what He has heard from the Word to our hearts.

May God bless you with the discernment to know darkness from light. May He guide you by His Spirit through the truth of His word as we walk through this battle, this battle of the valley of the shadow of death, that we call life.

Matt