Little Red Riding Hood

“Satan, who leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9)

There she was.  The picture of innocence.  A cute little curly-haired girl, dressed in an adorable red dress and cape.  She set off into the woods with food to take to her grandmother.  But we are all aware that on her way she was approached by someone – or something.  A deceitful wolf who asked where she was going.  When she told him, he took off and ran ahead of her to grannies. First, he devoured her loving grandmother.  Once he finished wiping his mouth with a napkin, he disguised himself as granny.  When the sweet little innocent lass arrived, he also devoured her.  A rather less than happy ending to the story of Little Red Riding Hood. 

It’s a tear-jerker of a story for little children.  Probably one we should not read to them at bedtime.  But is the demise of this little lass in red merely a sad fairy tale?  Or is it possible there is a lesson for us today in it?  There are a lot of wolves in the world, just waiting to deceive and devour us?  Scripture warns us about the deception that is before us all.  The serpent deceived Eve in the garden.  Jacob’s father-in-law deceived him with the wrong bride.  Deliliah deceived Samson, causing him to bring down the house.  All wolves in sheep’s clothing.  That’s what Christ called those who are deceitful. (Matthew 7:15)

The lesson here is this: Evil never comes to us as evil.  It always disguises itself as good.  Satan himself appears as “an angel of light” (II Corinthians 11:4).  There is no temptation that comes to us flaunting its’ evil nature.  Temptation doesn’t show up in its’ ugly form, displaying sharp fangs.  Evil always comes to us dressed as “grandma”.  Talking sweet, bonnet on its’ head, candy in its’ pocket.  It “seems” harmless and always looks like it’s for our benefit.  Might even promise to make our life better.  But it will never warn us of the damage it does to our heart, our mind, our body.  Just remember that whenever you’re being tempted, behind that granny bonnet there is a wolf wanting to harm and devour your walk with Christ, your family, and everything good in your life.

As far as my experience has taught me about evil, I am convinced there is only one way to handle it.  Run!  Don’t engage in a conversation with it.  Don’t try any samples it tempts you with.  Don’t listen to its’ lies.  And never think that you are strong enough to resist and overcome it.  Don’t give it any time or space.  Stay away from sweet grandma’s house!  Draw close to God and allow him to draw close to you.  And never forget that Jesus defeated the old wolf with an empty tomb.  That makes our Savior the only one who can deal with his bite.

                                                                                            Darlene