Wiles

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. – Ephesians 6.10-13

One of my favourite cartoons was, and is, The Roadrunner. Most of us know the theme, every episode involves the roadrunner being pursued by his arch nemesis Wiley E Coyote. The coyote was constantly trying to catch and devour the roadrunner. Part of the them song went ‘Roadrunner, the coyote’s after you. Roadrunner , if he catches you you’re through.’ Through the years Coyote used every scheme and trick and deception he could buy from Acme – but nothing worked because Roadrunner was ready for him.

I like the word wiles. I like the word to describe the sneaky tactics of the devil as he wages war against God and His people. He is sneaky. He is deceptive. He uses all kinds of trickery in order to trap us. He walks about like a roaring lion (or coyote?) seeking who he may devour. He is a lots smarter than Wiley E Coyote though. He doesn’t waste time on Acme Inc. He has been around since the beginning and he knows all the tricks. He has learned the weaknesses of men and he seeks to exploit them in his unending war on guard and if we are not careful we get caught in his trap.

We must always be aware. We must ‘walk circumspectly’ as we go from day to day. Wake up. Be alert. Let’s keep our eyes open and be knowledgeable to the devil’s wiles.