Blame Game

I am reminded once again that people are out to ‘get us’, and we must be prepared. Satan is able to pull people into his cause…even good people. And Paul wrote a powerful statement in Galatians that we often overlook and he points to these perspectives concerning the spiritual war in which we are involved.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor 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. Ephesians 6:10-12.

Jesus speaks of the character of Satan in John 8:44, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Too often we act as if we are the victims of sin and have the attitude that "the devil made me do it." The fact is many of us give in to temptations and we cannot blame anyone or anything for the moral decisions that we make. The question then comes, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1) and “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” James 4:4.

Paul’s evaluation of this truth tells us that we absolutely must depend upon the Lord because this spiritual combat is not against humans. “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.” (v. 12)

This is a stark description of the spiritual forces that are deployed against us. Paul's intention is to emphasize that this force is too intense for any of us to challenge without the help of our God. We must constantly depend upon the Lord's strength.

But, almost everyone would say, "I am not controlled by Satan or by any forces of a dark kingdom. I am living just as I please." This is exactly what the Devil would want us to think
Paul describes it best when he says, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— (Ephesians. 2:1-2)
We will say, "I do what I want to," and this is so very true, unless what we want to do is good, and this is more difficult. Doing the right thing is always difficult because we are then faced with the pressures of our time. Friends and family alike are always wanting us to do differently than that which we know is correct.

Paul's advice to us is, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans. 12:2)

We must be aware of the spiritual danger of the conflict, and have a healthy respect for Satan's strength. But, always keep in mind that Satan can never gain an advantage over us unless we are ignorant of his schemes and devices.

No matter what Satan does remember that God is able to defeat him and the recognition of our own weakness. Paul wrote to the Corinthians “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians. 12:10)

Does the devil make me do it? He is powerful, but, God is so much more powerful.

Satan is unable to make me do anything, but is able to:
· tempt me
· bring pressure from those around me
· stir-up trouble

But, even if Satan came to me he cannot make me sin.

This view of an active and powerful devil is rooted in the Gospels, where a large proportion of Jesus' healings are exorcisms, and believers are exhorted to steel themselves against demonic temptations and attacks. "We do not battle against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual hosts of wickedness," St Paul wrote, and St. Peter warned, "The devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

Still, "the devil made me do it" is foolish. Temptation comes whispering, but "Resist the devil and he will flee from you," James wrote. People tell the devil "No" every day.
The key to that resistance is understanding who he is and is weakness. The early Christians were emphatic that humility was the greatest virtue of all, and that it alone would send Satan scurrying. It's no skin off his nose if we do not believe he exists: all the better for his subtle plans.

The devil doesn't mind if we fail to see him, but he relies on our failing to see ourselves.

No, the Devil does not make me do anything. And he cannot make you do anything, either. But what we must determine is our Source of Strength…..

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7