Fruitful Living
Who are the targets of satanic deception? (Part 2)
Unfortunately, what he thought he knew, did not stop him from backsliding for a period of time. Obviously, he forgot the Scripture that says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18), and “…let a man that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall” -1 Corinthians 10:12. Those who find themselves in this condition ultimately open themselves up to biblical complacency. Which is the false state of believing that we know enough to get by.
Is that the goal of the Christian life, just to get by? Of course not; the goal is to grow up to be like Christ. We should never rest on our laurels, and believe that what we know will suffice; there is always more at the table of His Word to be eaten. We remember the words of the angel of the Lord to the prophet Elijah:
“And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, ‘Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you. So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God” – 1 Kings 19:7-8.
As Elijah needed food for his journey, so we too need the spiritual food, that is God’s Word, for our life’s journey. However, unlike physical food, when there are times we ought to be pushing ourselves away and know when we’ve had enough, we should never decide that we’ve had enough of His Word. The enemy can sense complacency as he observes our daily biblical habits.
DO YOU SPEND TIME IN THE WORD IN BETWEEN SUNDAYS?
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND IN THE WORD ON A DAILY BASIS?
ARE YOU EASILY DISTRACTED FROM IT?
These all serve as barometers to your dedication to the Word. Let the enemy see and know that there is no place for biblical complacency in you.
THE BIBLICALLY UNFAITHFUL
To be biblically unfaithful does not just consist of not doing what the Bible says, but it also means to believe something that the Bible doesn’t say. When Christians reach beyond what is written, and buy into error over truth, they have become unfaithful to it. Satan promotes this type of unfaithfulness relentlessly by using those who have gone astray by looking for something new or something deeper, rather than taking the Word as it is.
Why does this happen? Because on a certain level, they are dissatisfied. There is nothing wrong with desiring more of the Lord. One of the ways we do this is by reacquainting ourselves with His Word. But some pastors and teachers, in an effort to give their respective groups or congregations something fresh, end up compromising Scripture in some fashion.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” – 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
We must all avoid the “itching ear syndrome”; desiring to be told good things alone, while disregarding weightier matters like sin, repentance and holiness. When this happens, inevitably both teacher and student or pastor and congregation will be the worse for it, for they have both become unfaithful to the Word. It is no wonder that Jesus spoke these words:
“But He answered and said, ‘Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch’” (Matthew 15:13-14).
This will be the miserable result of biblical unfaithfulness. This is why we must be careful not to become the targets of satanic deception. But it can be avoided.
CONCLUSION
HOW CAN I AVOID SATANIC DECEPTION?
Do you know how to treat biblical truth? The proper response to biblical truth, mixed with discernment, will begin to ensure that you don’t become a target of his deceit. Let me leave you with these three “anti-deception” questions:
“Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it” – Psalm 119:140 (NKJV)
Do you consider His Word to be pure, and do you love it?
“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
This is a difficult question to ask, but do you believe the truth you read? Is there a measure of doubt concerning any portion of His Word that lingers in your spirit?
“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” – 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
Is His Word the absolute final authority for all matters in your life?
With the sword of the Spirit in hand, and remaining sharp, we can live deception-free lives, blessing the Lord along the way.
Stay Blessed!
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Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
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Spectator – Saturday 25th July, 2020
Fruitful Living
Qur’anic Evidence on Environmental Responsibility (Part 2)
Allah draws our attention to the divine wisdom in creating the earth and subjugating its resources for human benefit:
“It is He Who created for you all that is on the earth.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:29).
“And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth. Behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:13).
These verses affirm that the natural world is a divine gift created for human benefit, but not for reckless exploitation.
The trust (Amaanah) placed upon mankind requires careful and sustainable use, respecting the rights of future generations and all other creatures.
Islam and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 6 – Clean Water
and Sanitation
Clean water and hygiene are essential for life and spiritual purity. Islam obliges ablution (wudu) and cleanliness as part of daily worship.
The preservation of life (Hifz al- Nafs) is one of the five objectives of Shariah, and access to clean water and sanitation plays a key role in achieving it.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Islam calls for moderation in consumption and energy use. Wastefulness (Israf) is condemned:
“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and the devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:27).
Climate change, driven by overuse of fossil fuels and deforestation, threatens life on earth.
Muslims are taught to protect air quality, plant trees, and reduce carbon emissions—principles that resonate with SDG 13.
SDG 14 – Life below water
Oceans and marine ecosystems are under threat from pollution and overfishing. The Prophet warned against contaminating water:
“Do not urinate in stagnant water which people use.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 282).
This Hadith underscores early Islamic environmental regulations aimed at preserving clean water and marine life.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
Islamic teachings are rich in directives for land preservation. Allah warns: “And the earth we have spread out, and placed therein firm mountains and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due proportion.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:19).
Tree felling without cause, soil erosion, and habitat destruction are all contrary to Islamic ethics.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
Fruitful Living
Why Should I forgive others? (Final)
Forgiveness is thenhigher way
Paul acknowledges the gravity of Onesimus’ offense. Legally and ethically, Onesimus had done wrong. Under Roman law, Philemon had every right to punish him. Yet Paul calls him to choose a higher path—grace.
“For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever” (v. 15). Paul reframes the pain of separation as a providential opportunity for lasting unity.
As Christians, we’re invited to see beyond the offense and choose the eternal perspective. Forgiveness isn’t minimising the pain—it’s maximising the grace of God. It’s choosing to imitate Christ, who bore our sin without bitterness.
We are a forgiven people
Years in ministry often reveal a painful pattern: unresolved conflict and an unwillingness to forgive can cripple individuals and entire communities. Families drift. Churches divide. And the gospel is obscured by pride and pain.
Someone said something. Someone got offended. Someone refused to forgive. And so, healing never happened. Every time forgiveness is withheld, the Body of Christ suffers. But when we take steps to reconcile, we bear witness to the redemptive power of the gospel.
Forgiveness is more than an emotional release—it is a spiritual act of obedience. It puts God’s grace on display. It makes visible the invisible love of Christ.
Are you struggling
to forgive ?
Here are five helpful questions to evaluate your heart:
1. Do I feel anger or anxiety when I think about this person?
2. Do I secretly wish for them to suffer as I did?
3. Would I serve or help them if they needed it?
4. Can I sincerely pray for their well-being?
5. Would I be upset if God blessed them?
These questions don’t condemn us—they guide us. They help us identify areas where grace is still needed, where healing is still possible.
CONCLUSION
Forgiveness is one of the most Christlike things we can do. It doesn’t ignore justice—it entrusts it to God. It doesn’t excuse the offense—it acknowledges the cost and chooses love anyway.
Is there a Philemon in your life? Someone you need to forgive? Or are you more like Onesimus—longing to return but unsure if you’ll be received?
Today is a good day to choose grace. For the sake of the gospel, the Church, and your own soul, why not begin the process of forgiveness?
Let’s make this commitment together: By the grace of Christ, I will pursue unity, forgive freely, and live in the freedom that only forgiveness brings.
- By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
