Are You on the List?

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. – I Peter 5:8-9

Recently social media and the news is all abuzz with the release of the infamous “list,” which presumably incriminates a slew of celebrities. The story appeals to the public’s more salacious side, as millions of consumers devour every new piece of information as it is leaked out a trickle at a time. What happened is beyond disturbing, but I find the public’s appetite for such news disturbing, as well.

Now that we know more than ever about the notorious J. E. and his activities, it’s easy to understand the system that made him so obscenely wealthy. His island appealed to the rich and famous, who went there to enjoy unbridled carnal pleasures, sadly at the expense of countless innocents, all the time thinking their activities would be kept confidential. After all, Jeffery was their buddy, he wouldn’t tell.

Then came the blackmail, which explains why those targeted were the rich and famous – the ones with both money and a reputation to protect. Having filmed every indiscretion, the man who owned the island was then in a position to blackmail everyone who participated, releasing an endless flow of money that ensured him (he thought) a cushy lifestyle for many years to come.

(Until it didn’t.)

The man is dead now. (There’s controversy about the circumstances surrounding his death, but there’s already been more than enough discussion of that topic.) But somewhere out there are pictures and videotapes of illicit activities that could still destroy many prominent individuals and their families.

Does this scenario ring a bell? It should, and before we start passing judgment on those whose sins are much better publicized than our own, let’s consider the strategy of Mr. Epstein, brought to you from the pit of hell.

The enemy of our souls, the devil, a.k.a. Satan, has been using this strategy since the beginning of Man’s existence. He disguises himself as a friend, telling lies and giving invitations that appeal to the flesh, designed to destroy us. The very first lie: “God doesn’t want you to have fun. He’s keeping something good from you.” With this lie he persuaded the first man and woman to disobey the Lord and eat the forbidden fruit, thinking it would be a wonderful thing. They realized too late that this advice was disastrous, and Man has lived in a fallen world ever since.

Satan is setting the same trap today, offering all kinds of goodies to enjoy, persuading his victims to live for the moment, and assuring them, “no one will know.” His temptations give no hint of consequences for the behavior he’s encouraging.

Then, when the consequences inevitably come, he turns from being your ”buddy” to your betrayer – from tempter to accuser. He points to your sin – the sin he persuaded you to commit and says “Shame on you!” hoping to separate you from God permanently.

So, are you on Satan’s list? Every one of us is on his list of targets, but we don’t have to be on his list of ruined lives. When tempted, instead of going along with the enemy-disguised-as-buddy, turn to Jesus. He is the One who gave His life for you, the One who died on the cross to pay for the sins that would otherwise condemn you to an eternity of darkness. Life with Him may not always be “fun,” as the world defines “fun,” but the joy that comes with a relationship with Jesus is something the world will never comprehend or have.

If you have already given in to the temptations, – and I’ll let you in on a secret, we all have at one level or another – your enemy will then try to convince you that you are now too bad for God to want you. He’ll tell you, “God’s not going to forgive you after that, so don’t even bother to ask.”

Don’t fall for the second lie! Instead of avoiding your heavenly Father, run to Him! Confess your sins, and He will forgive you and restore you to Himself. (I John 1:9)

The enemy’s strategy: 1.) tempt, 2.) accuse, 3.) alienate from God. He knows he is already condemned to everlasting torment, and he wants to take as many people down with him as he can. Don’t be one of them.

Prayer: Our loving Father, how many times have we fallen for the lies? And how many times have you forgiven us and restored us? Thank You for Your amazing patience with us, and for loving us too much to give up on us. Help us not to fall for the devil’s lies, and on those occasions when we do stumble, help us to come running back to You and not believe for a moment the second lie, that You don’t want us anymore. You wanted us enough to sacrifice Your own Son for us! May we never, ever take Him for granted. It’s in His name we pray, Amen.