Red Flags

We often hear the term red flag, don’t we?

We talk about red flags in people’s behavior as a sign to keep our distance. 

Why do we see those red flags in others so quickly, but we don’t see them on a spiritual level?

Satan is the master deceiver. He has tricks we can’t even begin to comprehend, let alone defend ourselves against. 

God, in His grace and mercy, has not left us defenseless or ignorant about our enemy. He has given us enough red flags about our enemy, we just don’t always take them seriously. 

John 10:10 says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Satan’s whole purpose is destruction. He wants to destroy your life, home, marriage, testimony, ministry, relationships, and health. We see this red flag, yet do not take any defensive measures. We just let him walk in, then wonder how we got into such a terrible situation. 

Jesus said, “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” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬). This red flag shows us that while Satan is the enemy, our focus gets shifted to others instead. Your coworker, spouse, child, boss, etc., are not the enemy. You must recognize that Satan is the enemy and the source of division. Instead of seeing this red flag, we fall into discord with those around us. 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭

We must stay vigilant. There is a balance to be had in our lives. We must be careful not to give Satan too much credit, but also not ignore him. Jesus is greater than Satan, we have His power in us, and Satan can’t do anything without the permission of God. 

We must read our Bibles. This is where we find reminders of Satan’s red flags, encouragement to keep going, and the tools necessary to withstand his attacks. 

“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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬-‭18‬).

Soldiers don’t leave the wire without their armor and weapons, police officers don’t go to work without their armor and weapons, and firefighters don’t put out fires without their armor and weapons. Christians must not step foot into the world without our armor and weapons. Just as the examples above must prepare to fight something, so do we. We all have a very real enemy that wants to do very real damage and requires very real armor to deal with. 

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬

Stay vigilant and aware of the enemy’s red flags. 

Stay in the Word, stay close to the Shepherd, and let Him lead you in paths of righteousness. 

With Hope in His Service,

Heather