When faced with the possibility of persecution, ridicule, or even discrimination we can be tempted by Satan to deny our faith.

Peter, who was so willing to die to defend Christ on the night in which He was betrayed was used as an example for us on how Satan can manipulate the situation so that we negatively react when facing opposition.

Just prior to the betrayal of Christ, Satan had made a request to sift all the disciples; however, he was given permission to only sift Peter.

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has asked for you, to sift as wheat. But I have supplicated concerning you, in order that your faith should not fall and when you return to support your brethren – Luke 22:31,32

Peter was not a coward and was willing to even die for Christ.

And he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to be with you and unto prison and unto death to go.” – Luke 22:33

However, Peter would not even make it through the night without denying Christ three times.

And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will never crow before you deny to know Me three times – Luke 22:24

In the end Peter did just as the Lord has said and denied he knew Him three times before the rooster crowed, even though he was in no danger. This broke Peter’s heart, but would later, after the Lord restored him, be used for our benefit because in the letters he wrote to the Church we learn a lot about defending ourselves against Satan.

Protecting the sensitive part of the mind

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; – 1 Peter 1:13

            Standing firm

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brethren in the world. – 1 Peter 5:8, 9

When we were talking about Satan’s use of doubt to cause the mind the waver because it cannot discern the different between what is proper and what is wrong, we used an example of putting on a mask for the sake of another saint. However, we should not use that as an excuse to not stand against the unrighteousness of those who seek to force submission by usurping authority they do not have or standing up for our faith. Don’t let Satan make a coward out of you. We need to stand against unrighteousness, even when we face persecution for it. The difference between the two is a matter of maturity and discerning what is proper and what is wrong in each situation. Don’t get so focused on dealing with the politics of this world that you lose focus on helping the saints. Some of them may not understand their freedom or the importance of maintaining that freedom as you do. Don’t be afraid to stand up and speak out against the lies of this world. Remember, we are to stand as luminaries in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation.