William Ralph Inge, an English author, Anglican priest and professor of divinity at Cambridge once remarked: “There is no law of progress. Our future is in our own hands, to make or to mar. It will be an uphill fight to the end, and would we have it otherwise? Let no one suppose that evolution will ever exempt us from struggles. 'You forget,' said the Devil, with a chuckle, 'that I have been evolving too.'” Ephesians 6:10-14 reminds us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness."
Wikipedia defines a devil as: “The personification of evil as it is conceived in various cultures and religious traditions.” The usual name associated with the devil is Satan. However, in Christianity, he is also referred to as Lucifer. Whichever name is chosen to identify him, the result is usually the same, and that is extremely bad news for mankind.
Despite many differing opinions by some, who try to maintain that he is just a figment of our imagination, Satan is real and is constantly within our midst. 1 John 3:4-10 confirms: "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him, there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this, it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother."
The presence of Satan in our lives can cause many problems. We should remember that the help of God can always be sought in times of need. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 states: “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Though Satan has power well beyond our understanding, he is a limited, created being and as such, if we do not listen or take heed of what he wants or suggests, then he is nothing. All Satan's power is by permission only, whether that be by us or from God. One of his usual primary intentions is to undermine God's authority by persuading us to commit an act, possibly sinful, and certainly against the wishes of the true God. Temptation may feature prominently which could cause acts to occur which would not normally be considered acceptable by a God-fearing person. These should be repelled. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
Lightness and darkness are considered to play significant roles in the overall concept. It could be said that the lightness reflects goodness which can directly relate to the wishes of God and darkness, which is the obverse and considered of satanic origin, may be prominent in the form of adversity. This usually displays evil or wrongfulness. 1 John 1:5-7 reminds us: “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Children can be affected in many ways by the presence of Satan in their lives. This can include such things as deliberate disobedience to their parents, tantrums, even hitting them in a fit of rage. It may include theft from, and bullying toward others. It can even result in an intention to physically harm or emotionally hurt the feelings of others by words uttered from an inconsiderate mouth.
The psychological effects of the renowned "Fight or Flight" response may enter the equation. This usually occurs when someone feels threatened and their survival is considered at risk. The behavioural reaction is often determined by the strength of the perceived risk. The mind has to reach an instant decision of whether to stand and face the predicament, which may possibly include aggression or to turn and walk away from the situation. The frontal lobes may help in ascertaining the final decision.
Matthew 4:1-11 reminds us: "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and "'On their hands, they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"
Amen.
