If a mother was really mad she yelled, “You’re the devil!” If she was only irritated, but secretly amused, she blurted, “Why, you little devil!” My mother might have blurted that once or twice – at my brother; but some neighborhood mothers must have given their boys the nick name, “Little Devil.” Those are the times that make for “memories”. These were more innocent times, when it seemed the worst exposure to evil was that little devil, Eddie Haskell, on the TV show, Leave it to Beaver. Yet horrendous evil existed then, and the tip of the iceberg was reported on the news.
When Jesus dignified children, he taught that temptations to evil would come (Matthew 18:1-14). He warned against those through whom the temptations would come, causing the children and other little ones to stumble. The warning is a “Woe”, punishment with eternal misery, because it is a wretched evil to do the work of the devil (See also Mark 9:33-49).
The first record of the work of the devil is in Genesis 3, the story of how the serpent deceived Eve through the temptation to eat of the forbidden fruit. This is not a myth, for the serpent is later identified as Satan, a hostile accuser. He is also called the devil, because after he tempts and deceives he accuses and slanders to bring the human race to earthly and eternal ruin. He does not do this work alone, for there are other angels who aligned themselves with him in their rebellion against God (Revelation 12:1-12). This message in Revelation, although apocalyptic and symbolic, is very clear about the power of the devil and the great danger he presents to the human race and God’s people.
Jesus and his apostles warned about the danger of the devil in practical ways that touch and concern daily reality. Jesus called the devil the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning, and he rebuked religious leaders because they embraced the anti-God influence of the devil (John 8:44-47). The Apostle John warned that participation in all unrighteousness aligns us with the devil just like Cain who first hated then murdered his own brother (1 John 3:10-15). The devil’s influence extends wherever the human race is found. His influence is effectively deceptive and powerful, for he is like the hunter seeking to snare and devour his prey with evil desires and falsehoods (1 Peter 5:8 and 2 Timothy 2:26).
Does the devil’s powerful influence in this world excuse the human race for sin and evil? When Adam blamed Eve for his sin, and then Eve blamed the serpent for her sin; God did hold the serpent accountable (Genesis 3:8-19). Blaming never excused anyone from their responsibility, not then, not now. So God also held both Adam and Eve accountable for their sin. The difference however is that God did identify the serpent as the antagonist who must ultimately be crushed; but he mercifully extended redemption and hope to the human race. This is the same hope that is proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ, that our eyes can be opened and we can be delivered from the power of Satan to the light of God’s way in His Son Jesus (Acts 26:12-18 and 2 Corinthians 4:1-6).
Should a Christian ever claim: “The devil made me do it!” The New Testament amply warns against the work and influence of the devil. Yet warnings call Christians to alertness, personal responsibility and resistance; not to defeatism and excuses. The story of guilt in the Garden of Eden shows that we cannot hide from God. The issue is whether each one of us will accept our guilt and personal responsibility; regardless that we are “only human” (Psalms 103:8-14). I am greatly comforted by the example of the Apostle Paul’s experience of God’s mercy in spite of his horrible guilt (2 Timothy 1:12-17). I rely on God’s mercy and patience too! In spite of the devil, my eyes are wide open, and I know that I cannot blame God, and I am not excused by anyone else’s blame. It’s just as James, the Lord’s brother, taught: Each one is tempted when lured and enticed by his own desires (James 1:12-18). James calls Christians to humility and submission to God, resisting the devil and purifying double mindedness (James 4:4-10).
Therefore, our personal responsibility is vigilance, resistance and purification. Jesus challenged: “Have salt in yourselves”; so that we would guard against our own evil influence (Mark 9:50 [within 9:42-50], ESV). In his own hour of dark temptation, Jesus expressed his deep concern for his disciples: “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38 [within 14:32-42], ESV). Jesus, though sinless, sympathizes with our weaknesses and helps us against the devil’s temptations (Hebrews 2:14-18 and 4:14-16). Jesus is the woman’s seed who crushes the serpent’s head. Jesus destroys the power and works of the devil.
2 Comments
April 28, 2008 at Monday, April 28, 2008
I love reading your blog!!!!!!
Great post.
Questions are wonderful with scripture backing your point of view.
I think we are not born sinners to say the least.
I think at a certain age, when innocence is lost with in us and we reconize what sin really is, rebellion against God and his ways.
Since the earth is cursed and it is Satan’s domain then we are going too sin. Isn’t it wonderful that “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us, the ungodly.” He has giving us a second change through Christ.
With that great news.
I hope you have a great day!
April 29, 2008 at Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thank you, Preacherman, for your thoughts and compliment. You raise an important issue about children, and I commend you for going out on a limb, but not into limbo.