You know, I’ve about had it with hearing about a Deified Devil. Sure, he afflicts us, has some power to harm us, with God’s permission…sends his demonic minions out to influence the world, spread division and throw darts (lies) at our faith, but I haven’t read the Scripture where he (Satan) has the power to force our hands and actions, to hear our thoughts, to implant thoughts, to change our hearts.

I once heard it said, Catholics see Mary everywhere, Christians see Satan in everything. Every movie, show, book, song, joke – there is Satan, destroying God’s children with every ounce of fun they try to take out of life. But…is Satan REALLY in everything? I think not.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not downplaying the reality of Satan in this world. His influence the Word says stretches from the Rulers of the earth to the ruled. But that’s it – influence. Suggestion, as powerful as that is, is his limit. He isn’t God though he wants to be.

In reality, the Bible describes Satan as the one who caused the earth to tremble, weakened nations, destroyed cities, seeks to kill, is a devourer, deceiver, seducer, and liar. Yet, it isn’t like he has the power to reach into your mind and cause you to behave in certain ways. You know the old saying, the devil made me do it…

But I am afraid that, even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corrupted and led away from the simplicity of [your sincere and] pure devotion to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 11:3, AMP

As an early Christian, I can’t believe how many times I rebuked the devil of lust, or of fear, the demon of hate or the demon of doubt. I used to think if I simply thought something, the devil would know and use my thoughts to tempt me. Yet, only God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. Was it the Devil needing to be rebuked, or myself?

Satan’s intent is to blind the eyes of humanity so that you cannot see the light of the Gospel – yet once you do have the power of God residing in you, Satan doesn’t stand a chance. Most importantly, Satan can do nothing to you without permission! Like the old vampire stories where they could only enter your house if you invited them in, opened the door or window.

Remember, God is Creator, Satan is created. He may have more power than you or I, but not more than God, and not more than the God in you.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” – 1 John 4:17, KJV

I say, rather than focus on Satan, Focus on Jesus Christ, the Lord of All who holds the power over all the heavens and the earth. Deify the one who is Deity, and put down the one who fell down.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11

God Bless!