I get asked questions continually throughout the day. The kids ask questions, people in stores ask things and lots of questions are asked in Bible studies. Today was no different. Our 8 year old son is very insightful and loves Jesus, others and legos big time. Out of nowhere he asked, “Mom, do you think some actors are trying to steal?”. What kind of question is that and how do I answer? Then just as quickly as that thought ran through my head, the answer came. “Yes, Paxton, yes I do think satan is using lots of actors/actresses to steal. They are trying to steal innocence, purity and so much more.”

Our family loves to go to the movies together, but that is hard to do these days. We like to have family movie nights at home, but again this is getting almost impossible. It is however easier to watch movies at home because we can control the previews. Sometimes those are just horrible. Before I continue, know this is my own conviction and much comes from scripture. The other guards we have in place come from remembering being kids ourselves and needing boundaries drawn to protect our innocence. As the kids get older, we trust that they will continue to protect what goes in their minds, that filters into their hearts and then their actions follow. Generations are counting on us to love our kids enough to guide them in what is attempting to be stolen. I have no desire to go along with what is popular, to be my children’s best friend right now or to be swept along by the culture.

It doesn’t just stop with movies, tv shows and commercials. No, this attempted robbery comes in the form of fashion, cosmetics, books, magazines and the list could go on. For example, in my own makeup drawer I looked at some of the names of the cosmetics, after a friend and I had been talking about this very thing. I was shocked, saddened and sick of heart by what I found. I unknowingly bought some horribly inappropriate named makeup. I now carefully check the names of what I buy for the girls and I. Also, I do not support companies that choose to name their cosmetics with names that seem to be whispered by satan himself.

When I see what is coming at us from every direction, it can be very overwhelming and feel like we are fighting against a giant. Surely we will not make it out alive with our children’s hearts intact. Then I am reminded of King David from the Bible, before he became king and was just a young shepherd. He was bringing lunch to his brothers, who were actually fighting a battle against a mighty army. “The Philistines were standing on one hill, and the Israelites were standing on another hill with a ravine between them. Then a champion named Goliath, from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was nine feet, nine inches tall and wore a bronze helmet and bronze scale armor that weighed one hundred twenty- five pounds. There was bronze armor on his shins, and a bronze javelin was slung between his shoulders. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed fifteen pounds. In addition, a shield-bearer was walking in front of him.” (1 Samuel 17:3-7).

Sounds like a perfect description of the evil giant, satan, that is attempting to steal from our children, you and me. He is suited up in deceptive armor and even has the shield of the almighty dollar, carried by many, in front of him. This Goliath in the Bible actually shouted and taunted God’s people everyday for 40 days. “Then the Philistine said, ‘I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me a man so we can fight each other!” (1 Samuel 17:10). I hate but totally understand this next part. “When Saul and all Israel heard these words from the Philistine, they lost their courage and were terrified.” (1 Samuel 17:11). Each and everyday they retreated in fear until one day David showed up.

“When he arrived he was speaking with them (his brothers), suddenly the champion named Goliath, the Philistine from Gath, came forward from the Philistine battle line and shouted his usual words, which David heard. When all the Israelite men saw Goliath, they retreated from him terrified.” (1 Samuel 17:23-24). David asks a few questions and learns that a big reward will be given to the man who defeats this giant. Then he asks a very important question. “Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God.” (1 Samuel 17:26). I ask the same question to all that tries to come against us and steal from us each and everyday, but I already know the answer. The one who is attacking is satan and he is doing everything he can to defy the Living God.

I will save the ending for next time, but we can no longer close our eyes to the enemy in front of us. Like I said before, generations are depending on us to stand up and fight for them. So until next time, take notice of what is coming across the valley and into our homes each day. Are you willing to join in the fight?

*I intentionally do not capitalize satan’s name. He just isn’t even worth a capital letter. The other thing is that as I was typing, Eli put on this shirt in the picture. I love what it says, “Protect This House”! Yes, Eli I will protect this house!