deception disguised

I saw a large white, deadly serpent slowly moving around the door, across the top of the door and moving on around the room. I, who usually respond with great fear to snakes, actually found myself admiring the beautiful color of this lithe creature. Yet, I realized that it was extremely deadly and I needed to be very concerned.

When I fully woke, I asked God, "What does this even mean?" This disturbed me and I prayed for understanding.

This snake represented deception that Satan uses to find a way into  our lives. He is determined  to destroy us.  He is our enemy. He does not want us to believe in God, trust God, nor worship God. He wants to make us miserable, and alienate us from God.

Jesus warned us.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV

While he may use quick events and destruction, he is sly and stealthy. He uses tools and strategies that we may not recognize at the time. That is how he works.
Deception is a tool the enemy of our soul uses to draw use away from God. It is not an instantaneous outcome, but a slow process that occurs over time. Then one day, you have come to a place that God is no longer first nor important to you at all. Satan has accomplished the goal of destroying your soul.

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,  and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
II Timothy 3:13‭-‬15 NKJV

Paul said: Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
I Corinthians 15:33‭-‬34 NKJV

Deception comes in many forms. It usually comes as something small. We may at first tolerate it or even dismiss it. But, what we allow into our presence, into our homes and in our lives, will become your thoughts, your actions and your desire. You will slowly allow God to to take a back seat and other things will take precedence. We must be aware and cautious that we do not allow any thing to become more important than God. We can easily be deceived by the beauty, the fun, the excitement , or pleasure that may be presented. For a little while, it may be harmless, but once it gets too close, it is too late, it will have you in within grasp and be able to bite you, destroy you,  wrap around you. You are overtaken and under its control. That is deception.
Be wary, saints of God. Do not be deceived by the slow, sly deception of the enemy of your soul.