Angel of light

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. – 2 Corinthians 2.13-14

Its the Christmas season. There are lights and decorations and baubles and decorations everywhere. Every shop is doing all it can to get our attention. The world doesn't use ugly, dreary scenes to try and get us to buy their products. 

That attitude is not just for shops at Christmas. It permeates our culture and always has. 

Satan knew that and he has not changed his tactics a whole lot since the very start. At the very beginning Satan appeared to Eve in a way that would appeal to her. He hasn't changed today. Paul mentioned that back in chapter 11. He smooth talked her and acted like all he has was good for her. 

Satan doesn't appear with horns, red skin, and a pitchfork surrounded by flames. No one would be drawn to him if he did. That view of him is the way he would like us to think he looks. 

Instead he appears looking like an angel of light. 

And the hard part is, so do his false teachers. Rarely do they look like the bad guys. They look like the rest of us. They fit right in. And there is the danger. 

The old saying goes - 'All that glitters is not gold.'

We have to be careful. There is a lot out there to grab our attention and get us off the goal and it is not always ugly. Sometimes it looks good and we need all our vigilance to avoid his snares. His bait is attractive but bait leads to a trap. 

'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.'

The hard part he doesn't always look like a lion. That doesn't change his nature.