Clever Counterfeits

Growing Daily

Clever Counterfeits

Ron’s recent Growing Daily about name familiarity and election signs got me thinking about the current controversy in Alaska. Two men, both named Dan Sullivan, appeared on the ballot for U.S. Senate. One was the incumbent senator; the other was a retired schoolteacher. Some people are asking whether the schoolteacher’s surprise candidacy was a tricky ploy to confuse voters and divert their votes away from the incumbent.

Whether you think it was an intentional scheme or not, it’s a reminder of how easily we can be fooled by something that seems familiar.

Satan has used that strategy since Eden. He knows an outright lie is easy to spot, so he mixes truth and error. For example, he didn’t deny God's existence to Eve. Instead, he subtly twisted God’s words (Genesis 3:1).  And when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he quoted Scripture—but promoted applications God never intended (Matthew 4:5–7).

That’s the danger with a counterfeit: it deceives by looking like the real thing. Paul warned that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, so we shouldn’t be surprised if his servants disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15) and distort the gospel (Galatians 1:6-7).

While it’s something I would prefer not to think about, we’re told to watch out for an enemy on the prowl (1Peter 5:8). Recognizing he wants to lead us away from the truth can keep us alert for clever counterfeits and smooth-sounding deceptions.


- Catherine Reid