Most of the children who come trick-or-treating at our doors tonight will be dressed as princesses and super heroes. According to statistics, those are the most popular costumes.
So even though Halloween is sometimes called Satan’s holiday, that bright red, fork-tailed, pointy-eared devil costume will not be a prevalent sight.
Wouldn’t it be nice, though, if the devil really did wear a bright red suit on his rounds. We might find it easier to spot him and put up our guard. In actuality, he’s quite the wily fellow.
For Eve, he took the form of a serpent (Genesis 3:4). An interesting choice. Serpents are noxious creatures that creep stealthily, hiss menacingly, and inject poison into their victims. Need we say more about the similarities between Satan and serpents?
He’s called the evil one in Matthew 13:19. Look up evil in the dictionary and his character is clearly described: morally reprehensible, wicked, offensive, causing harm, bringing sorrow, distress and calamity.
Satan is our enemy (1 Peter 5:8). He seeks to injure, overthrow, and confound us. He is a harmful and deadly opponent, hostile, and filled with ill will.
In the same verse above, Peter says, “The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The Living Application Bible reminds us lions attack sick, young, and straggling animals, and Satan does the same. When we are suffering, depressed, or being persecuted, that’s when he loves to move in for the kill. And he often chooses a time when we’re alone and more easily swayed.
The devil is our accuser (Revelation 12:10). First, he lies to us, trying to convince us that whatever he’s suggesting will make us happy. Then he turns around and uses our sins to accuse us of disobedience and unfaithfulness before God! In fact, Satan in Hebrew means accuser.
You’d think that all these abhorrent traits would repel us from the devil and his cohorts. But his opposition against us isn’t always obvious. 1) We cannot see the spiritual forces of evil, and 2) Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
But! In spite of his power (although limited) and sophisticated trickery, the devil has already been defeated.
I love what author and Bible teacher, Ann White, said years ago:
“The devil may prowl around like a lion, but Christ removed his teeth at Calvary!”
Jesus is much greater than Satan (Hebrews 2:14-15). And Jesus is within us (1 John 4:4), empowering us to fight against him.
In fact, Jesus showed us how to fight him off. Remember the strong temptations he withstood in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)? Jesus used scripture to refute the devil’s lies and twists of truth.
We can do the same, starting with one of Jesus’ responses in the passage above:
“Away from me, Satan! It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” (v. 10).
And now that we know a bit more about the opposition, such resistance can be even more successful.
We can be ready–red suit or not.
(Reblogged from 10-31-13)
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(Art & photo credits: http://www.haloweencostumes.com; http://www.buckshappeningmag.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.slideteam.net; http://www.interest.com.)
From the Inside Out 
love that Ann White quote. one i will remember. Amazing isn’t it how popular princes and superheroes are. I asked the kids at church yesterday why no one dressed as Martin Luther since it was Reformation Sunday. The adults laughed at that one.
Every now and then God brings to my mind those words of Ann White, which Steve and I heard years ago. A powerful reminder, indeed! As for those chuckles over a Martin Luther costume–that WOULD be a funny site: a small child dressed like a monk, complete with fringe hair around a bald head!
This happened to me just yesterday! I allowed the devil to use someone to put me into a place of depression. He caught me at a weak moment and I have been down the whole day. He threw me off guard and I found myself in despair instead of calling upon the Lord to get Satan away from me. Extremely timely reminder, Nancy!
Thank you for your honesty, Cheri. Our enemy is so sneaky! Emotional distress is surely one of his favorite pranks. I, too, have been overcome by despair. And you’re right, Cheri. We have only to call upon our powerful Advocate to fight against him: Jesus!