“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it.” (Mark 4:3–4 NLT)

 

“Pick on someone your own size.” It’s a noble thought, but saying it usually doesn’t work. Bullies don’t become bullies by picking on someone their own size. They target the small, the weak, the vulnerable. They go after the people on whom they can inflict the most damage.

The devil is a spiritual bully, as Jesus suggests in His parable of the sower. “As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it” (Mark 4:4 NLT). Several verses later, Jesus explains this part of the parable. “The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away” (verse 15 NLT).

Without question, the devil focuses his attacks on people who are young in the faith. He snatches God’s message away from them before it has a chance to take root in their lives.

You probably remember that when you first put your faith in Christ, the enemy was there to attack you. Maybe the day after you made your commitment to Christ, you started thinking, “Am I really forgiven by God? Has something really happened to me? Maybe I just psyched myself into this.” Or maybe you remember some very strong temptations that came your way right after you became a Christian. He appealed to your sinful nature with something you find extremely attractive just to remind you of what you’re leaving behind.

That’s just one way the devil takes away the seed of God’s message. Another is to confuse or overwhelm new believers with “have to’s.” Those are the voices—from within or without—that say, “If you’re a Christian, you have to do this and this and this. Otherwise, your faith isn’t genuine.”

This is why it’s important for mature Christians to pray for new believers. To come alongside them. To offer perspective, support, and encouragement. To let them know that they’re not alone and that what they’re experiencing isn’t unique to them. We need to shine a light on the enemy’s tactics and help the believers see how he’s trying to rob them of what God has done in their lives.

While we’re doing that, however, mature believers must never lose sight of the fact that the devil does indeed go after bigger targets, too. He’s an equal-opportunity bully. He will attack with a vengeance those who are making a difference in the kingdom, those who are seeking to walk with God, and those who are trying to reach others with the gospel.

When believers step up and say, “Use me, Lord. I want my life to make a difference,” they should brace themselves. The enemy will not take that sitting down. So, they should expect and prepare for opposition. They should also remind themselves that “The Spirit who lives in [them] is greater than the spirit who lives in the world” (1 John 4:4 NLT).

 

Reflection question: How can you support and encourage a new believer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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