York's Devil

Outside Number 33, Stonegate in the city of York sits the devil. Something of a tourist attraction, he is well photographed and admired. He is also well looked after judging by the brightness of the paint.

The Authorised Version renders Ephesians 4:27 as Neither give place to the devil and the NIV as Do not give the devil a foothold.

Sadly, the real devil is not quite so conspicuous, patient or photogenic as his namesake of York. Big personalities, selfish ambitions, wounded pride, self-satisfaction and financial greed are all wonderful places for him to lurk and wait, espying some opportunity to leap out and wreck a church, a ministry, a home or a testimony. May we guard against him and his schemes:

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11

A D