Subtle Tactics
The more vigilant you are, the fewer opportunities the devil will have to attack you.
Deception has been a part of warfare since the Trojan horse. During WWII, it became high art. Members of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops used special "weapons" such as dummy planes, tanks, anti-aircraft guns, and amplified recordings that created war sounds to fool the German high command. Deception enabled the combat unit to change positions or even attack when the Germans thought it hadn't moved at all, the 1800 men of the 23rd were able to impersonate entire divisions. They would move in at night, change insignias, and inflate their rubber decoys. Meanwhile, the troops they were replacing sneaked away. Such deception was a major factor in the success of the Allies' D-Day Invasion, as the German 15th Army waited elsewhere for an assault that never came.
Many great generals throughout history have seen success not because of their skills in fighting, but because of their skills in strategy. Hannibal saw the usefulness of elephants in fighting and used them to quickly conquer nations. Alexander the Great realized the value of ally countries, so he married the princess of a powerful nation. These men used their creativity and intelligence to win many battles.
Do you realize that even more than Hannibal or Alexander the Great, the devil is the most intelligent enemy you will ever have? Not only is he creative in his attacks, but he spiritually targets your weaknesses.
The devil is not a brute-force attacker. He is subtle and intelligent in his attacks on the lives of Christians. As 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Have you ever observed a lion stalking his prey? When they are looking for their next meal they crouch low to the ground and observe their prey’s behaviors. They wait until the right time to attack, usually when the animal is either not on the look-out or is weak.
The devil attacks in much the same way, which is why the Bible is clear on warning us to be vigilant in our defense. As Ephesians 5:15 says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” God tells us to keep our guard up, to keep on the look-out for the devil’s attacks.
Isn’t it true that the devil seems to attack you at your weakest times? It seems as if he is waiting to attack us when we are down. And he is! That is why it is so important for us to always be walking circumspectly, watching for the devil’s attacks.
As you go about your everyday routine, make it a point to be walking circumspectly. Be aware of your weaknesses and ask God to help you during those times. The more vigilant you are, the fewer opportunities the devil will have to attack you.
Source: DITW, February 2, 2009