The enemy’s tactic of desensitizing followers of Christ is subtle yet highly effective. By gradually dulling our sensitivity to sin, truth, and righteousness, he can lead believers to compromise their values, allowing worldliness to slip into their lives without much resistance. Recognizing these strategies and guarding against them is essential for maintaining a vibrant and faithful walk with Christ. The enemy/satan has a plan that works. You are sinful, flawed and needy.
And he has opening in positions you can fill. He knows you are weak, and feel that God just leaves you hanging. But satan knows how to give you exactly what you want. Problem, is all that you want, is already yours. The great deceiver.
Here are some common ways the enemy desensitizes believers, along with steps to recognize and avoid them:
I am not doing sermons for right now so just sharing this. The holidays can be a struggle, and I hope this gives you strength.
These are my views, yours may vary.
And he has opening in positions you can fill. He knows you are weak, and feel that God just leaves you hanging. But satan knows how to give you exactly what you want. Problem, is all that you want, is already yours. The great deceiver.
Here are some common ways the enemy desensitizes believers, along with steps to recognize and avoid them:
I am not doing sermons for right now so just sharing this. The holidays can be a struggle, and I hope this gives you strength.
1. Gradual Normalization of Sin
- How It Works: The enemy often introduces sin in small, seemingly harmless ways. Over time, what was once shocking becomes familiar, and believers become increasingly comfortable with behaviors they once rejected.
- Recognizing It: Pay attention to shifts in what you find acceptable, entertaining, or tolerable. If you notice yourself or others justifying actions or attitudes that contradict Scripture, it may be a sign of gradual desensitization.
- Avoiding It: Set boundaries based on God’s Word, even if they seem "overly cautious" to others. Keep yourself accountable by regularly examining your values and actions against Scripture. Romans 12:2 encourages us to “be not conformed to this world,” reminding us to avoid the world’s standards and pursue a transformed mind.
2. Twisting the Truth
- How It Works: The enemy often takes God’s truth and subtly alters it, leading to confusion and distorted beliefs. This can make sin appear “not so bad” or even morally acceptable under certain rationalizations.
- Recognizing It: Be alert when someone downplays the seriousness of sin, uses half-truths to justify wrongdoing, or questions clear biblical commands. Jesus warned about Satan’s cunning in John 8:44, describing him as the “father of lies.”
- Avoiding It: Stay grounded in Scripture. Make time to study and meditate on God’s Word to know it intimately. The Holy Spirit will bring understanding and conviction, equipping you to recognize and reject lies.
3. Overload of Media and Information
- How It Works: The enemy uses endless media and information to distract us from spiritual matters, filling our minds with worldliness, fear, or trivialities. Constant exposure can dilute our focus on God and spiritual growth.
- Recognizing It: Reflect on how you spend your time and what you consume daily. If media or technology consumes more time and attention than God’s Word or fellowship with Him, it’s likely affecting your spiritual sensitivity.
- Avoiding It: Set limits on media and prioritize time with God, prayer, and reading Scripture. Philippians 4:8 gives us a filter for our thoughts, urging us to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely. This focus strengthens our resistance to desensitization.
4. Desensitization to Holy Living through Compromise
- How It Works: Small compromises often lead to larger ones. The enemy entices us with “harmless” behaviors or “gray areas,” leading us down a path of complacency and rationalizing sin.
- Recognizing It: Regularly assess areas in your life where you might be making “small” concessions, such as language, relationships, entertainment choices, or even attitude. Consider whether they reflect God’s holiness or worldly standards.
- Avoiding It: Commit to holiness in every area, knowing that God calls us to be holy because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Ask for discernment to see potential pitfalls, and lean on the Spirit for strength to reject compromise.
5. Weakening Community and Accountability
- How It Works: The enemy often isolates believers, either by creating conflict within Christian relationships or fostering feelings of self-sufficiency. Without community, it’s easier to fall into sin unnoticed.
- Recognizing It: If you find yourself pulling away from fellowship, church, or trusted Christian friends, or rationalizing that “no one will understand,” it may be the enemy’s way of isolating you.
- Avoiding It: Pursue strong Christian friendships and accountability partners who will help you stay sensitive to sin. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to encourage each other and stay connected, especially as we await Christ’s return.
6. Normalization of Ungodly Cultural Values
- How It Works: The enemy can influence Christians to adopt cultural values, such as materialism, individualism, or moral relativism, which are contrary to God’s Word. Over time, believers may start to view biblical values as outdated or irrelevant.
- Recognizing It: Notice if worldly values like success, popularity, or self-gratification have become more appealing or important to you than humility, service, and godliness.
- Avoiding It: Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). Daily renewal through Scripture realigns our values with God’s heart and keeps us from being shaped by the world.
7. Lack of Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines
- How It Works: Neglecting prayer, Bible study, and worship makes us more vulnerable to the enemy’s influence. When spiritual disciplines fade, it’s easy to lose sensitivity to God’s voice and the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
- Recognizing It: If prayer, worship, or Bible reading start feeling like chores or are continually sidelined, it may indicate spiritual dullness. Jesus called His followers to stay vigilant in prayer to avoid temptation (Matthew 26:41).
- Avoiding It: Make time for daily prayer and communion with God, even if it’s brief. These habits are essential for spiritual growth and for keeping our hearts in tune with God’s will.
Conclusion: Living with Spiritual Alertness
Staying spiritually sensitive and avoiding desensitization requires a conscious, proactive commitment. Ephesians 6:10-11 encourages us to “put on the whole armor of God” so that we may stand against the enemy’s schemes. This includes:- Truth (belt of truth): Ground yourself in God’s Word.
- Righteousness (breastplate of righteousness): Strive to live a holy life.
- Peace (gospel of peace): Stay rooted in the hope of the gospel.
- Faith (shield of faith): Stand strong in your belief, resisting worldly values.
- Salvation (helmet of salvation): Remember your identity in Christ.
- Prayer (sword of the Spirit): Pray consistently, listening to God’s leading.
These are my views, yours may vary.