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An Insidious Reality | November 2020
Don’t you hate it when people use unfamiliar words? Hear me out on this one – it will make sense to you in a moment.
Dictionaries define “insidious” to mean something that has a gradual and cumulative effect (subtle), is harmful but enticing (seductive), and is awaiting a chance to entrap (treacherous).
This is how the Bible describes “insidious”:
Gradual, Cumulative, Subtle
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, (Matthew 24:12)
Enticing, Seductive
Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14–15)
Entrapping, Treacherous
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
Here is one more passage to consider before I move on to the points I want to make:
You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17)
Scripture clearly describes the insidious dangers that surround us. This final passage reminds us that we are often the target of insidiousness and can likely be the unwitting casualties of it. To understand the calamity around us we must understand the calamity within us.
