One of Satan's first strategies against mankind was and still is to change our thinking about God.  If he can change how we think about God, it skews our perception of everything.  Most of us are too wise to fall for an all-out attack on God, so Satan subtly tricks us, deceives us, and seduces us by making us an offer that seems reasonable, desirable, and not entirely "anti-God."  This was his strategy back in Eden (Genesis 3:1-6), and it is the strategy he still employs today.  Regardless, if what we are receiving is contrary to God's word, it is WRONG.

• Satan uses a clever combination of outright lies, half-truths and falsehood disguised as truth.  He tempts us to be careless with God's Word (Did God really say. . .) (Gen.3:1; John 8:44). 
• Satan also causes us to question God's character and His love for us (Gen. 3:3). 
• Satan will lie to us about the consequences of our sin (Gen 3:4; Prov 14:12), and
• Satan promises us benefits for going against God's word (Gen. 3:5). 
• Just as he did with Eve, Satan deceives us and causes us to make decisions based on what we can see, and on what our emotions/reason tell us is right, regardless of what God says about it (Gen 3:6).

Women are particularly vulnerable to Satan's deception (2 Cor 11:3; I Tim 2:14).  He knows that if we buy into his deception, we will influence the men around us (and our children!) to sin (Eze 13:22).

With lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad. . . and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life.  Ezekiel 13:22

Think about the following sins you may have justified by believing Satan's lies.  Have you allowed yourself to feel good about your sins (or others to feel good about theirs)?  Have you strengthened the hands of the wicked?

• Anger ("It's healthy expression")
• Selfishness ("Set healthy boundaries")
• Irresponsibility ("It's not your fault.  You're that way because others have hurt you.")
• Infidelity ("God is the God of second chances.  You can divorce & remarry.")

Have you ever felt sad or guilty for righteous choices:

• Taking responsiblity ("Co-dependence")
• Having a servant's heart ("You're letting others take advantage of you.")
• Being faithful to marriage vows ("God wouldn't expect me to stay in this marriage.")

When we encounter something (in movies, TV, advertisements, books, advice of family or friends, or sometimes even through our churches), we must ask ourselves these important questions:

• What is the message here?
• Is it really true?
• Am I being deceived by a way of thinking that is contrary to the Truth?