Scammed!
By Becci J. Terrill
“Be self-controlled
and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
I
Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Recently,
I fell prey to a scam. I’m embarrassed to admit it. I’m not someone who “falls”
for things. I thought I had researched everything necessary to ensure the
validity of the product before I ordered. When it arrived, I was careful to
read everything and follow directions - - or so I thought. Fifteen days later,
when I called to be certain that everything was going as I had expected, the
scam was revealed.
I
was embarrassed and upset. How could a company do this without proper
notification? I made a few phone calls to report the situation and it was
resolved. Another life lesson learned.
The
hardest thing about the whole situation was admitting my poor judgment to my
husband, and asking for his help. Why is that? I know he loves me no matter
what I do and always has my best interest at heart. So it shouldn’t be a
problem, right? It’s not a problem for him. It’s my pride.
As
I reflected on my situation, I thought of ways the devil tries to scam me;
after all, he is the original “scam artist.” Since he approached Eve in the
Garden and scammed her into believing that God was wrong (Genesis 3), he has
been scamming people ever since. Me included.
Throughout
Scripture, God warns us to watch out for the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11)
because he is prowling around like a lion looking for someone to devour (I
Peter 5:8). We are also warned to watch out for teachers who look innocent on
the outside, but are really wolves in sheep’s clothing - - aka scam artists (Matthew
7:15). Just when we forget to consult with the Father because we have
done the “research” and have the answers, that’s when we let our guard down and
get scammed. It’s Eve in the Garden all over again.
When
I do get “scammed” in my spiritual life, I need to humbly admit my failure to
the Father and ask for His help with the situation. I may have scars or
consequences to pay, but I can be confident that in all things God works for my
good (Romans
8:28) and that He will complete the good work he has begun in my
life (Philippians
1:6). I’m so grateful for His unconditional love!
It
was an uncomfortable lesson to learn. Fortunately, all I’ll end up with is
product that doesn’t work and a meal of humble pie.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
What “scam” has the devil been trying to pull on you?
2.
How will you respond?
FURTHER READING:
Becci is a wife and
mother of two adult daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at
Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove,
WI. She serves as WE Women’s
Special Events Coordinator and teaches 4th Grade.
