In July 2015, the Detroit chapter of the Satan Temple unveiled a bronze Baphomet statue. The nine-foot tall, one-ton monument pays homage to Satan. As opposed as I am to anything that glorifies the enemy, this lifeless statue reminds me that there is real and active evil power in this world—and I need to take it seriously. 

A man who lived two thousand years ago took Satan seriously and wanted to remind us, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). 

Satan is after you and would love to tear your world apart, to tear your eternity apart too. As scary as that might seem, Jesus has a reminder for you. After Jesus paid for your sins and then rose from the dead, he went and proclaimed victory to those in hell. Because Jesus secured your position in God’s family, nothing can separate you from the love of God—neither heights nor depths nor powers.

One last thought: It’s good to be appalled by an idol dedicated to the father of lies. However, this is also an opportunity to see if we have any idols in our hearts that exalt things in this world—even good things—and make them the Most Important Thing. Tear those down because they won’t save you or love you. Only Jesus does that.