“that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head –Christ- Ephesians 4:14 & 15

One of the primary responsibilities of a priest is to lead people to Christ while leading them away from deception. The Holy Scripture states that the “whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). Satan is a dealmaker whose devious plans were creatively constructed to camouflage his real intent while appealing to your interests. Spiritual discernment is necessary and exists among mature leaders who have a track record of making wise decisions. Even Satan transforms himself into an angel of light since the name Lucifer means “Lightbearer.” Although things are not always as they appear to be, God alone knows the end from the beginning and He reveals His plans to His servants, the prophets.

The prophet Ezekiel spoke of this day and the outcome of the decisions made by our modern dealmakers:

Ezek 28:16: “Your business brought you many riches. But they also put cruelty inside you, and you sinned. So, I treated you like something unclean and threw you off the mountain of God.” (Easy to Read Version) 

“You traded with other nations and became more and more cruel and evil. So I forced you to leave my mountain, and the creature that had been your protector now chased you away from the gems.” (Contemporary English Version) 

When making the deal becomes the objective and overrides loving care for the people involved, the chosen path will lead to severe judgment. The question that Jesus asked is still being asked today, “what would a man give for his soul, and what would a man profit even if he gained the whole world but was to lose his soul?”

Secret deals are being made behind closed doors, and negotiations are taking place in private. The stakes are high, and unfortunately, the unsuspecting and misinformed will become the victims. Some people do not care what they may have to sacrifice if they appear to be winning. Count the cost and consider the source, for what may appear as winning may be losing and what may appear as losing may be winning.