When We Become Ignorant of the Devices of the Crafty—What Happens?

What comes to your mind whenever this scripture is read?

2 Corinthians 2:10–11 (MSG):

“The fact is that I’m joining in with your forgiveness, as Christ is with us, guiding us. After all, we don’t want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief—we’re not oblivious to his sly ways!”

Having grown up in the church, my children's teacher would often say, “Do not be ignorant of the devices of the crafty.”

To my childlike mind, I imagined sins like fornication, adultery, stealing, and corruption. I would constantly remind myself that indulging in such things gave the enemy a foothold. As I grew older, these became the red markers in my Christian walk.

But a few days ago, during a discussion with my sister about this very passage, she mentioned “the devil’s toys.” And a lightbulb went on. These toys are also devices of the crafty—subtle strategies the enemy uses to place limitations on God's victory in our lives and to distract us from a life of consecration.

I’ve seen the enemy release the device of fear over my life. At other times, it was anger, envy, slander, little lies, depression, pride—always showing up right after I had walked in obedience to a divine instruction.

But here is God saying: “Do not be ignorant of the enemy’s strategies.”

When the enemy comes, he comes well prepared. Every “toy” is positioned with strategy, aimed at breaking our defenses. That’s why, when we choose God each day, we must not walk in darkness. We must recognize that the enemy can form weapons against us from anything—even the air we breathe, our family relationships, our careers, businesses, health, or sense of self-worth.

It’s not just the obvious things—like a sack letter or business failure—that are his strategies. It might be an open door, a new relationship, a fashion trend, a movie, social media content, discussions, or even a promotion. We must be discerning.

God is saying to us today: “Give the devil no place.”

The enemy is looking for legal ground—a document to present before God just like he did with Job. There are times I’ve desired a major breakthrough, and then I go on social media—our modern-day space to celebrate or mourn—and see a friend achieve what I’ve long prayed for. I start to question God's faithfulness.

But it’s not about what we see or hear. It’s about letting God roar over us and keeping a purity of thought. And even when one of the enemy’s “toys” gains a foothold in us, we must be quick to acknowledge it, bring it to God, and let Him refine us.

For every victorious season, there’s a “toy” the enemy wants us to play with.

But Jesus calls us to continually declare:

“I refuse to give Satan an opening. I am not ignorant of his sly ways.”

Stay Revived!