One of the devil’s greatest attacks is against the work of restoration. As the adversary of God, the devil despises any effort to bring a wayward soul back into fellowship with the Lord. His mission is to keep the fallen bound in sin and hopelessness. He seeks not only to destroy the prodigal but to discourage those who seek to restore them. In addition, he will deceive, accuse, and discredit those involved in the ministry of restoration, working through pride, division, and false accusations. Yet, God’s heart is always for restoration, as seen in Galatians 6:1, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness. This work is precious to God and hated by the devil, making it a battleground for every Christian who desires to see the fallen return to the Father’s house.

In fact, if I were the devil….

I would hate restoration.

I would hate those who try to help those who need restoration.

As the father of lies, I would lie about those who are involved in restoration.

I would try to destroy those who are trying to help the prodigal get back to God.

I would try and hinder those involved in restoration by discrediting them.

I would use the elder brother to finish what I started in the destruction of a life.

I would wait for the elder to fall from being consumed with his pride.