Satan: The Divider of God's People

Where chaos and division rule, Satan is all around.

The enemy is real. Spiritual warfare is real.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens (Ephesians 6:10). Satan’s primary objective is to oppose God’s will and create chaos among His people. Understanding Satan’s strategies is crucial for Christians seeking to maintain unity and harmony within the body of Christ.

Satan’s tactics are subtle but powerful. One of his most effective methods is sowing seeds of division among God’s people. Division is Satan’s tool to weaken the church’s witness and disrupt its mission. By causing discord, he diverts attention from God’s work and focuses it on internal strife.

The Author of Disorder and Chaos

Scripture warns us about Satan’s nature. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” This verse highlights the contrast between God’s order and Satan’s chaos. Satan thrives in environments of confusion and disarray, as these conditions are fertile ground for his manipulative schemes. He creates situations that lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and conflicts, all aimed at destabilizing the unity of God’s people.

Turning God's People Against Each Other

A fundamental in Satan’s strategy is inciting God’s people to turn on one another. He exploits human weaknesses, such as pride, jealousy, and resentment, to create rifts and factions. Galatians 5:15 warns, “If you bite and devour each other, watch out, or you will be destroyed by each other.” This verse highlights the destructive potential of internal conflicts instigated by Satan.

Recognizing Satan's Influence

To effectively combat Satan’s influence, it is essential to recognize his presence in situations of disunity. James 3:16 states, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Awareness of these signs can help us identify when Satan is at work and take steps to counteract his efforts.

Fighting Back Against Satan's Attacks

Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Constant prayer and spiritual vigilance are essential in maintaining a solid defense against Satan's attacks. But there is more. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Fostering a spirit of unity and understanding within the church is a powerful way to counteract division.

We must also extend forgiveness and reconciliation: The Holy Spirit instructs us to "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Practicing forgiveness and seeking reconciliation can heal wounds and restore relationships. We can also increase our study of Scripture. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Regularly studying the Bible provides guidance and clarity, helping us to discern truth from deception.

Finally, we must put on the whole armor of God: Ephesians 6:11 says, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God, equipping us to stand firm against Satan's attacks.

Standing Firm Together

Satan’s primary goal is to disrupt and destroy the unity of God’s people. By understanding his tactics and remaining vigilant, we can counteract his efforts and maintain the harmony that reflects Christ’s love. Through prayer, unity, forgiveness, scripture study, and the whole armor of God, we can stand firm against Satan’s schemes and continue to grow together in faith and love. Never forget the subtle ways Satan seeks to divide and remain steadfast in our commitment to unity and peace within the body of Christ.