Tag: secret service

Are You Ready for the Devil’s Next Move?

Brent Pollard

Former President Donald Trump was the target of multiple assassination attempts in 2024. Politicians, pundits, and the public have discussed significant concerns about the Secret Service’s adherence to established protocols for protecting Trump after the incidents in July and September. In one case, the would-be assassin gained a tactical edge, and in another, a person armed with a rifle got dangerously close before being stopped. These apparent failures demonstrate that constant readiness and vigilance in risk mitigation are essential.

As concerning as these events may be, our spiritual environment is equally daunting. The Bible warns us about the ever-present spiritual dangers we face. Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (NASB95) Just as the Secret Service must remain on constant alert to protect a leader’s life, Christians must also be spiritually vigilant, always prepared for the enemy’s attacks. The devil always seeks moments of weakness when we lower our guard. Ephesians 6.11 instructs us to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (NASB95)

This call to vigilance extends to how we live each day. The devil does not announce his attacks; instead, he works subtly, sowing seeds of doubt, fear, and temptation. Jesus emphasized the importance of staying spiritually awake in Matthew 26.41, “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (NASB95) We must be as meticulous in our spiritual preparedness as the Secret Service is in its protocol for protecting leaders, ensuring that we are consistently grounded in prayer, Scripture, and fellowship.

Failure to remain vigilant in our spiritual lives can allow these subtle attacks to go unnoticed, much like a lapse in physical security could lead to danger. The Apostle Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 2.11 that we must be aware of the devil’s schemes to prevent him from gaining an advantage. Paul’s reminder here underscores the critical nature of spiritual readiness, not only for our own sake but also for the sake of those we love. It is essential to be prepared in both personal faith and guarding the souls of those around us.

Proverbs 4.23 reminds us to “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life” (NASB95). This vigilance applies to our actions and the thoughts and emotions we allow to take root. Like the Secret Service constantly monitors potential threats, we must deliberately guard our hearts, understanding that neglecting our spiritual defenses can lead to trouble.

In essence, physical or spiritual vigilance demands discipline and awareness. Just as the Secret Service protects leaders, we guard our hearts, remain alert, and be ready for daily spiritual challenges.

“Secret Service”

Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

Gary III

Gary Pollard

Whenever we hear about the United States Secret Service, we generally picture an elite agent with dark sunglasses and an earpiece. They certainly are elite, with only 1% of 15,600 applicants being accepted as Special Agents in 2011. They have extremely important jobs, from protecting the president and his family to investigating financial crimes in order to protect our economy. Being a Special Agent or any of the other elite positions in this government branch is not easy to achieve. These government agents have a huge responsibility and the public often keeps a close eye on them.

It’s no wonder, then, that they would come under scrutiny when something goes wrong. In 2014, Omar Jose Gonzalez jumped the White House fence and ran across the North Lawn with a knife. He was able to make it through the front door and past a security guard, making it as far as the East Room before being tackled by another guard.

The church is made of imperfect humans. We are called to live to a higher standard and to hold one another to a higher standard. Whenever someone makes a mistake – especially someone in a position of leadership – it’s easy for us to gossip, condemn, talk about “what we would have done,” or offer insincere criticism. Worse yet, it’s easy to tarnish the name of the church just because of the mistakes of someone inside. Yes, sin must be dealt with in a godly way. But using the mistakes of others as an excuse to damage the bride of Christ is inexcusable. Let us always strive to not only hold ourselves to the highest possible standard, but to also keep the name of God’s people in high standing with the world and with each other.