A few years ago, I read a book by Andy Andrews titled, “How do you kill 11 million people?” It only took about 15 minutes to read cover to cover, but it was very thought provoking.

In his book, Andrews discusses the Nazi regime and the key to their success in killing over 11 million Jewish people. He quickly provides readers with an answer to his question—you lie to them.

While I was in Dallas last week, I had the opportunity to visit the city’s Holocaust museum. It had a remarkable display of pictures and stories, along with glass cases filled with items from the Jewish concentration camps. There were old uniforms and patches, eyeglasses, shoes and even a collection of hair that was used to weave slippers.

But the display that stood out the most was the large, rust colored European box car that carried away the Jewish people to their deaths.

It was in seeing and physically touching the box car that reminded me of Andrews’ book.

It would seem that the only logical explanation for an individual to board the small, hot and dirty box car would be in the hope that it was going to take them to a better life. And this is exactly what the the Jews were promised.

A series of lies had been set in place upon the establishment of the Nazi regime. It culminated with Adolf Eichmann, otherwise known as “The Master,” addressing the ghettos of Jewish people, assuring them of a positive fate. Andrews shares Eichmann’s exact words to the Jews:

“Jews: At last it can be reported to you that the Russians are advancing on our eastern front. I apologize for the hasty way we brought you into our protection. Unfortunately, there was little time to explain. You have nothing to worry about. We want only the best for you. You will leave here shortly and be sent to very fine places indeed. You will work there, your wives will stay at home, and your children will go to school. You will have wonderful lives. We will all be terribly crowded on the trains, but the journey is short. Men? Please keep your families together and board the railcars in an orderly manner. Quickly now, my friends, we must hurry!”

Andrews goes on to share that there was relief among the Jewish husbands and fathers upon hearing Eichmann’s explanation, and they willingly helped their families board the railcars. No fewer than 100 men, women and children filled the cars designed to hold only eight cows. Once loaded, the doors were padlocked and sent directly to concentration camps where terror and death awaited those aboard.

As I walked through the Holocaust museum in Dallas and marveled at how such a small number of evil men could overtake and kill millions of people, I was startled by an uncomfortable spiritual revelation: Satan incorporates the same tactic of lying used by the Nazi regime to bring about death and destruction in our lives.

He lures us into the dirty, vile boxcar of sin with promises dripping with deceit, only to slam and padlock the doors, trapping us in bondage. We see this dating back to the very beginning of mankind in the book of Genesis, when the serpent deceived Eve in the Garden, and we continue to see it today.

Satan uses his weapon of lies to deceive us into believing our sin is not harmful. Just as Eichmann told the Jews, “You have nothing to worry about. We want only what is best for you,” so too, Satan employs comforting lies to lure us into spiritual and physical destruction.

But there is hope in our battle against the Father of Lies, and we do not have to remain bound in our sin.

God has given us His word to combat the lies of the enemy; however, we must apply His truth in our lives and in our hearts.

One of the best ways to do that is to meditate on scripture that speaks against the lies, accusations and temptations that Satan uses to keep us in bondage.

I have found that using a journal is an effective way to apply God’s truth against the lies of the enemy. The box accompanying this column gives an example of this method.

When the deception and accusations of the enemy are bearing down, we are not defenseless. We have been equipped with the power to defeat the lies of Satan and claim victory through our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Chanel Bingham is a freelance writer, blogger and public speaker. She resides in Thorsby with her husband and four children. You can visit Chanel at www.thepolishedcanvas.com or on Facebook at “The Polished Canvas.” Her column publishes each week.