The part of this scripture that I want to focus on is the portion that says, “…who have not explored and known the depths of Satan…” If you refer back to the Day 22 devotional, “Recognizing Temptation Pt. I,” this scripture links nicely to what was discussed there. Picture once again that we as believers we are like a peaceful school of fish. Not only does the enemy seek to entice us, bait us, and draw us away from the safety of our school through the use of temptation, but he seeks to lure us down deep into the depths of sin, shame, and darkness. Let’s picture the enemy as an Angler Fish. In nature, the Angler Fish lives so deep below the surface of the water that no natural light from the sun can penetrate to that depth. In order to attract prey, the Angler Fish wiggles a long, lure-like tipped appendage, which glows due to ‘bioluminescence’ (when a living creature produces its own light). As fish leave the innocence of their school in order to dive down deeper and deeper to investigate the false light source below them, they find only total darkness, danger, an increase in cold and pressure from the weight of the water above them, and a mouth full of long needle like teeth patiently waiting to devour them.
As young people, decide today to make a serious covenant with God to keep yourselves pure and to protect your innocence! Do not allow the enemy to lure you away from the Light of Christ Jesus with any false light that he offers! Do not take your innocence for granted and TRADE IT for what you think you are missing out on in the world! The only things that the world and the enemy have to offer you in exchange for your innocence are darkness, dangers, coldness, pressure, and death. Instead, ask the Lord for an increase in His Wisdom (Proverbs 4:6), and, “…seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right)…” (Matthew 6:33). Make every effort each and every day to protect your innocence!
Fight the good fight of faith!
Jamie
