Skip to content ↓

Satan’s Great Trick

One of Satan’s greatest tricks is to convince you that the sin you are being tempted with is a very small sin. “This is just a little one. It’s not like you’re going to kill anyone. It’s not like you’re committing adultery. You’ve done it before and God didn’t strike you down. The joy will by far outweigh the risk. We will keep this one between just you and me.” And too often you believe his lie. You indulge in what seems like just a little sin, a harmless peccadillo.

One of Satan’s greatest delights is to convince you that the sin you have just committed is a very big sin. That same sin that was so small in the future looms so large in the past. Now he whispers, “Oh, you have sinned so badly. You have sinned so big. How could you have done this? You’ve gone and done it this time—you’ve sinned beyond his grace.” And again, you believe the lie. You wallow in guilt and sink into despair.

Do you see the pattern? Do you see the cycle? Do you see the sheer evil of it? Satan’s great joy is to convince you that the sin you are about to commit is very small and the sin you have just committed is very large. He convinces you of this even when they are the very same sin. Don’t believe his lie! Don’t fall for his trick! But if and when you do, don’t give him his great delight.

There is hope, even when you fall for his trick for the thousandth time. The terrible reality is that there are no small sins, no minor offenses. There are always grave consequences for recklessly disobeying God’s commands. But your glorious confidence is that those consequences have already been faced and met and paid by God’s own Son. There are no sins so small that you can enjoy them with impunity, but no sins so big that they can take you beyond God’s saving grace.

Image credit: Shutterstock


  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (November 30)

    A La Carte: Britain votes for death / Is Christianity on the cusp of resurgence? / One year after goodbye / Christmas isn’t in the Bible / Why we gather / Black Friday (Weekend) deals / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (21Five)

    This week the blog is sponsored by 21Five, a Canadian Christian bookstore. In an era of information overload, it can be hard to cut through the noise and find quality Christian titles. This is where 21Five steps in, Canada’s gospel-centred Christian bookstore! 21Five curates the best God-glorifying books and products, with a physical location in…

  • Black Friday

    Black Friday Deals for Christians

    Black Friday is upon us and with it the opportunity to save a bit of money as we shop for the holidays or build out our libraries. I have listed hundreds of deals below and will be adding to it throughout the course of the weekend.

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (November 29)

    A La Carte: Futureproof forgiveness / How to make the best imperfect decision / The unimpressive ambassadors of heaven / Low-tide evangelism / Emotions hidden beneath anger / Black Friday deals.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (November 28)

    A La Carte: Jordan Peterson wrestles with God / 3 powerful effects of thankfulness / The unknown pastor / God is good regardless / Anyone can be a prayer warrior / and more.

  • New and Notable Christian Books for November 2024

    Before the month comes to an end and before my American friends disappear for their Thanksgiving holiday, I want to make sure you’re all aware of some new and notable books that came our way in November. We were treated to some excellent new titles this month so be sure to give them a look!