[8] “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
I remember a long time ago when I heard this scripture for the first time, I thought the devil was a lion who roars to make me fear. But upon a careful study of the scripture, I am glad to let you know that the only person referred to as a lion is the Lion of Judah – Jesus (see Revelation 5:5).
The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8 that we should be alert and of sober mind. Why? Because the devil prowls (moves around in a predacious manner) like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (consume hungrily). That means the devil is acting like a roaring lion but is not actually a lion. He’s a deceiver. No wonder the scriptures say that he can masquerade himself like an angel of light (see 2 Corinthians 11:14).
If you give the devil a chance to have a foothold in your life, I tell you that he won’t spare you. That’s why we’re warned in the scripture not to give him that chance (see Ephesians 4:27). Is it an offence someone has done to you, even in church? Forgive the person as fast as possible before the devil creates division amongst yourselves. Is a friend encouraging you to indulge in sexual sin, flee and disconnect totally from him? If you give in to worldly suggestions from ungodly people, those words might look nice at first sight. But in the long run, it meanders you from the ways of God. Psalms 1:1 (NKJV) says,
“Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;”
Blessed are you when you’re able to discern ungodly counsel and avoid walking in them. Be alert and of sober mind. Don’t give in to seemingly good suggestions from people whom the devil may have influenced to redirect God’s cause for your life. Stay humble and walk in God’s ways.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to have a sharp-discerning mind that detects ungodly thoughts and eliminates them, lest they affect my life adversely. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 239
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