The Devil More Than Just Superstition

Taken from the pages of The Enterprise...
 By Columnist: Loretta Thomas                                            



  Do you watch television or go to movies, especially when a new movie premieres? If you answered yes, then, I’d like to ask, “Have you noticed the subject matter of new movies now, not to mention some old and new television shows? Think a bit before you answer. My point is: now, all attention is drawn to vampires, werewolves, witches, devil, e.g. devil babies; worshipers, etc.; bloody killings, guns, drugs and other gory things…if these are your recollections then, you are so right! 

  I realize we are living in a constant changing world…in different times but, why are all the above debasing things we see so prevalent, yes, common in the world today? Do you have any ideas or justifications as to why? Let’s reason on this for a moment. 
  
For centuries old superstitions always depicted the devil as half human and half beast. They thought of him as a horned cloven-hoofed creature clad in red and using a pitchfork to cast wicked into hell. Well, the Bible does not support these ideas. Undoubtedly, such misconceptions have cause millions to question the existence of the Devil or to think that the term only applies to a principle of evil.

  Let’s put this to rest now! If the devil didn’t exist, why did Jesus believe he was real? Our Lord believed it because He saw the devil in the spirit realm! Too, it was a real being that attacks Him and tried to tempt Him with his kingdom and who is called the “ruler of this world”! Read Scriptural prove at: John 14:30; Matthew 4: 1-11 NKJV.

 Further, Jesus knew there were other creatures supporting Satan in his wicked schemes. Didn’t He when on earth cure “demon possessed” people?” In His ministry Jesus spoke of the devil and his demons…we can learn a lot about them when considering His words to the religious leaders in John 8:44 NKJV.
  
Don’t for one instance underestimate the devil! He is a formidable foe (enemy) 1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV tells us in part: “Your enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He is no vague principle of evil residing in our imperfect flesh. We have a daily struggle against our own sinful inclinations, Romans 7:18-20 NKJV. But the real struggle is “against the world ruler of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NKJV.)

  How widespread is the devil’s influence? His influence encompasses the whole world. (1Jonh 5:19) We don’t want to become obsessed with the devil or allow superstitious fear of him to paralyze us. However, we are wise to stay alert to his efforts to blind us to the truth and to break our integrity to God. The devil does not always use brutal means to attack those who want to serve God. Too, we don’t want to play into his hands by dabbling into anything connected to his schemes. We want to be like Jesus and repeatedly refer to God’s word for guidance. We want to pray incessantly!
Our Lord Jesus said, “He, the devil, has no hold on me.” (John 14:30 NWT) May satan the devil never get a hold on us!   

Please feel free to leave a comment. We wish you a Happy Weekend... May God Bless!
Loretta