Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

I’ve watched him for years.

Actually since birth.

I’ve seen him grow into the young man he is today.

Witnessing his disappointments, I’ve gotten to know his weak spots.

Areas I can press him into walking towards sin.

It’s almost too easy, tempting him.

Take yesterday as an example. Years ago, I assigned self-pity to follow him.

It’s one of my usual tactics as getting people to think only of themselves delivers every single time.

Affects other areas of their lives as well, a bonus for sure.

Getting back to my example, I led him to believe he was the only one not invited to the party.

Began to feed him lies that his friends weren’t really friends, merely tolerating instead his existence.

Reminded him this was proof he actually stood on the outside of the group, instead of the inside.

Self-pity waltzed right in, confirming the lies and bringing up things from the past.

Before long, he was slumped onto the couch, convinced something was very wrong with him.

Took it out on his unsuspecting mother, who had just come home from the store.

His outburst placed a wedge in that relationship, perfectly executing my next step.

People are predictable.

I know how to tempt them for maximum effectiveness.

Why? Because I’m invited. Always around.

I’m invited through selfishness, lies, and the evils of this world.

And believe me, it’s everywhere. I’m everywhere. Me and my followers.

This young man is from a Christian house. Believed the Bible from a young age.

Thankfully, he’s strayed. No longer reads it, shutting out even the sermon in church.

Got him to stop singing there, too, as I told him it’s embarrassing. He believed me!

I have him right where I want him. Only have to worry about his mother.

She’s the one who keeps bringing God into the house through her prayers.

Sometimes I have to leave because the angels are guarding his door.

But other times, his door is open because he invites me in.

The young man happens to like self-pity, living for himself. It’s fabulous.

What door do you keep open? What activities, thoughts, or actions invite me into your life?

Keep your door open. Makes it easier for me and my followers to tempt you.

We can’t wait. In fact, we’re prowling right outside the door. Can we devour you and your family? Our appetite never ends.

Photos by Ingo Stiller, Arnaud Papa, Ihor Malytskyi, chrissie kremer, & Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash