So many people seem to think that evil is a state of mind rather than an actual force at work in the world today. Underestimating evil can lead to nothing but trouble.
There is great evil at work in the world today. If you don’t believe it, just look around. People constantly treat each other terribly, & integrity & morals seem to be a thing of the past for many people. I believe that this happens in part because for the most part, people don’t believe that Satan & his demons are real & powerful enemies.
They do exist however. In the Amplified Bible, Matthew 4:10 says, “Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’”” Jesus clearly addressed Satan. He wasn’t just talking to Himself! And, 2 Timothy 2:26 says, “and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” Clearly Satan exists & as Christians we need to be fully aware of this & how to protect ourselves from falling prey to him.
One thing that all Christians need to do is never to underestimate that the enemy wants to destroy us all. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” This is all he does, look for open doors into people’s lives so he can destroy them. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent him from doing this.
The next verse, 1 Peter 5:9 gives us the best way to do this. It says, “But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]” Fight back against the enemy. Question everything & compare it to the truth of God’s word. Also be open about what he does & says to you. Ephesians 5:11 says, “Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character];” Bringing such things into the open minimizes or even fully removes their power. John 3:20 says, “For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned.” Notice how it says they shrink from the light.
Always remember that God is in your corner, enabling you to resist Satan. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” And, 1 John 4:4 says, “Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].” Satan can tempt us & hassle us, but he can’t overtake us, because God has equipped us to defeat him.
Another wise move to take is to remember to avoid anything that opens a door to evil, even slightly. Astrology, tarot cards, trying to contact the dead, psychics & similar things may seem harmless but they aren’t. Deuteronomy 18:9-12 says, “9When you enter the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable (repulsive) practices of those nations. 10There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or daughter pass through the fire [as a sacrifice], one who uses divination and fortune-telling, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11or one who casts a charm or spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or a necromancer [who seeks the dead]. 12For everyone who does these things is utterly repulsive to the Lord; and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God is driving them out before you.” Practices involving the occult in any fashion open the door to the enemy, giving him access to your life. Instead of opening that door, turn from such things & turn to God.
While we need not to be afraid of the enemy, we do need to be aware of his tactics to protect ourselves. Be aware, but don’t be afraid. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world!
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