A Clear and Simple Guide to Spiritual Awareness and the Dangers of Mixing Faith with Politics
Let’s talk about two important topics that often come up in conversations about faith: the fallacy of Christian Nationalism and what it really means to “not be ignorant of Satan’s devices.” We’ll break these ideas down into plain language, so anyone can understand their true meaning and why they matter.
The Fallacy of Christian Nationalism
First, what is Christian Nationalism? Simply put, it’s the belief that a country (like the United States or any other nation) should be defined by and governed according to specifically Christian values and that the government should prioritize one faith above all others.
Why is this a problem?
· Mixing Faith and Politics Can Go Wrong: History shows that when religion is mixed too closely with government, it can lead to discrimination, conflict, and even violence. When one group gets all the power, others are left out or persecuted.
· Jesus Never Called for a Christian State: In the Bible, Jesus focused on changing hearts, not running governments. He taught love, service, and humility—not using political power to enforce religion.
· Faith Is Personal, Not Political: True faith is about our relationship with God and how we treat others. It’s not about forcing everyone to believe or act the same way just because laws say so.
· It Distorts the Message of the Gospel: The good news of Jesus is for everyone, everywhere. Limiting it to one nation or using it as a tool for power goes against the heart of the message.
In short, Christian Nationalism is a fallacy because it confuses the mission of faith (loving, serving, and sharing God’s love) with the pursuit of political power. Instead of uniting people, it creates division and can even push people away from Christianity.
What Does “Not Ignorant of Satan’s Devices” Mean?
Understanding Spiritual Awareness from 2 Corinthians 2:11
Maybe you’ve heard someone say, “Don’t be ignorant of Satan’s devices,” and wondered what on earth that means. Let’s explain it in straightforward terms.
What Are “Satan’s Devices”?
This phrase simply means the sneaky tricks, tactics, and strategies the devil (or evil in general) uses to trip us up or pull us away from God. Think of them as traps or distractions—sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden.
· Lies: Making us believe things that aren’t true about ourselves, others, or God.
· Manipulation: Twisting words or situations to cause confusion or hurt.
· Distractions: Getting us to focus on things that seem important, but actually draw us away from what matters most—like love, forgiveness, and unity.
So, What Does “Not Ignorant Of” Mean?
To not be ignorant just means to be aware and alert. It’s like saying, “Don’t let yourself get tricked!” Instead of being naïve, we’re encouraged to pay attention and notice when something doesn’t line up with God’s truth.
Where Is This From?
The phrase comes from the Bible—2 Corinthians 2:11. Paul is giving advice to early Christians: forgive someone who messed up, because holding a grudge could actually allow Satan to cause even more problems, like division or hopelessness.
In other words, even good intentions can be twisted if we’re not careful. That’s why awareness is so important.
Why Does This Matter?
Being aware of these “devices” helps us:
· Recognize when we’re being misled or tempted.
· Avoid emotional pitfalls like bitterness or pride.
· Stay united with others and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
· Grow stronger in our faith by making wise choices.
What Should We Do About It?
Just knowing about these tricks isn’t enough. Here’s how to stand strong:
· Resist Actively: When you see a trap—like a negative thought or temptation—choose to go a better way.
· Pray for Help: Ask God for wisdom and strength. You don’t have to face everything alone!
· Use Your Resources: Read the Bible, talk with other believers, and stay connected with your faith community.
· Practice Forgiveness: Don’t let grudges or hurt feelings fester. Forgive as God forgives you.
In Summary
Christian Nationalism misunderstands the role of faith—it’s not about taking over governments, but loving people and living out God’s truth. And when it comes to spiritual struggles, “not being ignorant of Satan’s devices” means being wise and alert, so we don’t get tricked or distracted from what really matters.
Stay sharp, stay loving, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture—growing in faith and connecting with others in genuine community.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 