Be alert and of sober mind. 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 the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

As the children of God, we have an enemy to fight. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but God has given us authority over him. We are to resist him and stand firm in our faith. But, be watchful because the devil uses deception and fear against us, and his attacks can take us by surprise if we do not recognize and resist him. We need to know the devil’s tactics so that we can walk in the victory Jesus has for us.

The devil tries to keep us from seeking God and His Kingdom first. Matthew 6:33 NIV says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God’s Word clearly tells us to seek Him first, but the devil tries to shift our priorities to other things. He deceives us to think that we need to worry more about our finances, family, sports, house, entertainment, hobbies, or comfort. But the Word says that when we seek first the Kingdom, everything else will be added. When we choose God as our first priority, everything else falls into place!

The devil also tries to influence our hearts. He will use whatever he can to put lies and fear in our hearts — television, social media, magazines, and many other things. Proverbs 4:23 NLT says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Our eyes and ears are the gateways to our hearts. Be careful that you don’t give the devil an open door to your heart.

When you know your enemy, you can stand firm and resist his attacks. Take care to guard your heart and seek first His Kingdom!