Security Flaws (1 Peter 5:8)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8

If you own a smartphone or smart pad, you will frequently be downloading updates to your operating system or apps. If you peruse the descriptions accompanying the downloads, you will find that the majority describe a fix for a security flaw. The seriousness of these flaws is reinforced by recent news of credit card information from several retailers, hacked by as a yet unidentified source. Hackers that gain access to our smartphones or smart pads may be able to gain access to sensitive personal information. Thus all users must remain vigilant to any potential security breach.

How do we remain vigilant? We should take care to not download apps or information from questionable sources. If possible, we should cross reference these sources or apps and test their credibility. We should also be careful to not share and receive emails from anonymous sources.

The Holy Spirit instructs us to put on the armor of God to stand against the attacks of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). We must continually be vigilant and monitor ourselves for any security breaks or flaws in our armor because the devil is always looking to infiltrate, devour, and destroy our lives. How do these flaws or breaks appear? Like careless downloads from unidentified or untrusted sources, flaws can readily come upon us. It may be as subtle listening to a song with offensive or racist lyrics or it may be as blatant as breaking the law by going above the speed limit because of a missed appointment. Regardless of the reason, the devil can use these flaws to further weaken us, creating larger and larger flaws in our armor until we are literally devoured. It is a frightening image to be mauled and devoured by a lion. We should be mindful of Satan’s schemes but we never should never think that we are defeated. This is exactly what he wants us to think; all of armor, all of our security are useless against his schemes.

God’s power and authority are infinitely beyond anything Satan could ever dream. The Holy Spirit reminds us that the final chapter of Satan has already been written and recorded for eternity. Satan will be be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone to be forever tormented for his rebellion and evil deeds (Revelation 20:10). Satan is already defeated! Do not hesitate to claim the promise of victory through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Remain vigilant to the schemes of the devil and be reassured that greater is He, the Holy Spirit, who is in you, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.