Genesis tells the story of God’s 7-day creation process. Detailing the formation of man in God’s image, it unveils man’s fall when he encounters a snake. Amazingly, the author provides the details in subtle simplicity regarding Satan’s ultimate temptation. The snake, possessed by Satan, only spoke two times.
Two times.
Read that reality again.
Two times.
Two statements were enough to knock the entire race of humanity off its pedestal of moral purity. This reality shows us how crucial it is to be wise about engaging in conversation. As my momma might say, “You better be careful who you talk to!” The enemy can bring people into your life who shift the way you think -- and not in a good way. These conversationalists begin to influence you negatively just through their words. Ephesians Chapter 6 teaches us additional truth. We don’t wrestle with flesh and blood but with powers and principalities and powers of the heir. Personalities are manifestations of spirits. Jesus taught, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” That means what comes out of a person’s mouth is what is in a person. Have you been talking to snakes? Don’t be deceived. There’s no doubt that there are snakes within your life. My life. Everyone’s life. It happens because the snake is crafty. Creation’s story describes him in that way. Crafty is another word for wise. Eight times the Hebrew word for describing the snake’s craftiness, is used in the book of Proverbs. It is not associated with a negative connotation. Craftiness is not a bad thing. Being wise is a good thing! However, when wisdom comes from the wrong source, it becomes counterfeit. There is a wisdom of this world, and there is a wisdom of God’s Word. You want the latter, not the former! The enemy operates in the wisdom of this world. He is sly as a fox, and he will set a snare to trap you. In the Garden of Eden, the enemy appeared beautiful, like an angel of light. But what seems to be beautiful isn’t always what it appears to be. The enemy can even make his way into the flock of sheep disguised as a wolf. This exemplifies how crafty he can be! Jesus warned that the enemy is so crafty that he will deceive even the very elect in the last days if it were possible. (Ref. Matthew 24:24). But, here’s a probing question that you have probably not asked yourself...are you the snake in someone's life? For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. -Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) One of the ways darkness and wickedness manifest on Earth is through spiritual hosts. Without the Earthly host, wickedness would stay in high places. However, it comes low when we give it a portal to work through. We have to ensure that we are not hosting darkness -- the things of this world -- in ourselves. What are you speaking into other people's lives? Be careful to notice what you're consuming. What is your social media feed “feeding” you? Out of the abundance of your heart, you will speak. Yes, even YOU. So speak life into other people’s lives. Avoid grumbling and complaining. Praise the name of Jesus! Do not allow the enemy to use you as a host. I invite you to view this message from our message series A Wise Christmas, “There’s Something You Don’t See,” in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/2Dm0_NyhsHE
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