I’ve noticed something over the years. I’ve noticed that things knowingly done wrong and not dealt with quickly have a habit of coming to the surface at some point. It’s as if someone pulls them out in to wide public display in the end. I’ve also noticed that these things, when discovered, often grow to leave consequences far deeper and more disruptive than the initial ‘minor’ sin.

Like a little lie that my daughter said. It may cover up something she’d done to get her out of an immediate situation, even though that situation wasn’t such an issue in the first place to me and no one would have been that annoyed. It was just easier and more convenient to lie at the time. But how is it that every time she does something I find out? How is it that every time not only do I find out but something else related to it seems to go more wrong to make the small sin come dramatically and undeniably to light?

And then there are excuses or more denial, anger, heated conversations, a break down of trust and a relationship breakdown on the brink.

And then I stop and see the bigger picture. There is a trademark pattern I recognise instantly. Satan’s job is to breakdown relationships, breaking down love, respect, trust and peace. To bring conflict and disfunctionality, chaos and isolation, so that when you need each other you aren’t there to support one another but are fighting each other instead.

Hmmm, is this what’s happening in your situation? Little things growing into more serious issues? Relationships of trust and love breaking down over smaller issues? Take a look at the bigger picture and see who the real enemy is in this and fight him not those around you. Stand in unity and love with those around you, keeping a tight rein on ‘the little’ things we do wrong that we need to take responsibility for and act on them quickly.

And Satan’s plans and power are crushed.