When we surrender our lives to Christ, we are freed from the weight of sin and receive salvation. Hope in God’s promises gives us strength to endure trials. But the Evil One seeks to corrupt our minds with lies and deception, working to divide us from God and push us back into darkness. Even worse, when our failures become public, they may discourage those who are searching for faith—causing them to stumble because of our example.

This is why we must guard our minds. Deception often comes clothed in familiar or seemingly harmless forms. Satan even tempted Christ by twisting Scripture, but Christ overcame by standing firmly on the truth of God’s Word. The same is true for us. Scripture is the light that exposes the lies of the enemy.

Though we live in the world, we are not without defense. We can test everything against the Word of God, and in doing so, strengthen ourselves against temptation. As Paul reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

Ephesians 6:13-17