If I were the devil

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.           1 Peter 5:8-9

Have you ever wondered how you would strive to defeat people if you were the devil? First, if I were the devil I would strive to convince Christians that God doesn’t mean what He says in His Word, the Bible. I would convince people that it’s poetic but not practical in the world of the 21st century.

When Satan first confronted Eve in the garden, he followed the same line of logic. Today the widespread belief that happiness is more important than holiness is behind the plague of broken homes that confront us.

Second, I would infiltrate the Church and stress emotions over truth, creating the illusion that the most important thing is to feel good about ourselves.

Third, I would strive to create a non-offensive sort of religious expression, a gospel that requires no change, that makes no demands, and that is inclusive enough that everyone goes to heaven.

Fourth, I would strive to convince Christians that God is not a good god when He doesn’t give us everything we want. I would make them think that if God has the ability to keep bad things from happening and yet He allows them, then He cannot be loving.

What I’ve described isn‘t unique or original. It’s the same old line the devil has used for a long time. Peter warned, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...” (Peter 5:8-9).

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. Psalm 111:2-5