Satan Wears a Costume Too

“But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NLT

In a story posted by the Deseret News, the writer made an attempt to answer the question that many marathon spectators have asked themselves, “Why do runners wear costumes in marathons?” After then sharing a few stories of runners who had recently dressed up, the writer said, “Runners wear costumes for a variety of reasons, including fundraising, bringing awareness to a cause… and just for fun or to express themselves. Some runners dress up as a way to connect with spectators and encourage other runners on the course. Races run at Halloween encourage costumes. Online retailers offer running garb of all kinds from an inflatable chicken to a Forrest Gump getup. Among the 30,000 runners at the iconic Boston Marathon last week, there was a Princess Leia, a Chiquita banana, a leprechaun, a Larry Bird and a ‘Where’s Waldo.’And it’s not just marathons. Runners dress up for 10K races and half-marathons, too.”

And, you know, while runners have their various reasons for donning a disguise (I, myself have done it on many occasions), our enemy the devil “disguises himself as an angel of light” and his servants “disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” for one reason, and one reason alone… to deceive the lost (and even the elect if possible) and lead them astray by their false doctrine and their desire to be held in high esteem. As Paul said though, these are false apostles and deceitful workers who in the end “will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.”

So, knowing that there are many false teachers in our world who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ, don’t be fooled by their masquerade my friend. Check their fruit and check their doctrine. This is the best way to spot someone who is wearing a costume of righteousness only to hide the evil underneath it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that many false prophets will arise in the end days just as Jesus told us, and would deceive many by masquerading as angels of light. Knowing that Lord, help us to see people through a spiritual lens, testing their every word to ensure it aligns with your Word, and checking their fruit so that we might see through the disguises of the enemy and bring their evil deeds to light. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!