Does the devil exist? Yes. But Satan’s subtle ways can mask his evil intentions. Some deny the existence of Satan and his minions. Those who do become most venerable to his subtle attacks. Others of us who believe the devil exists can be deceived by his seductive methods. An awareness that Satan, the prince of evil, exists, and a vigilant attitude can help us resist his subtle ways.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (Peter 5:8-9 ESV)
Defeating Evil Begins With Awareness
Contrary to what some would like to believe clinical research confirms that the devil exists. According to the writings of M. Scott Peck, MD and Malachi Martin, both of whom have had extensive exorcism experience, certain characteristics identify Satan and his evil ones
Characteristics of Evil
Satan seeks to destroy life.
The evil one hates love, laughter, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, zest, healing, and human caring and will do everything in his power to destroy goodness and virtue.
The devil attacks our weaknesses
Satan can use human weakness or character flaws to manifest his evil intentions. If we tend to focus on our mistakes, he reinforces those ruminations. If we have perfectionistic tendencies, he whispers we aren’t good enough. He reinforces bitterness and jealousy, restlessness and frustration, doubt and despair. He rejoices in our unhappiness.
Satan hides in beauty and attractiveness
Beelzebub presents no identifying marks—no horns, no pitchfork, no hooves. Seductive Satan slinks silently upon us if the form of false beauty, false promises, false expectations. He accentuates jealousy. Reinforces vanity. The master of lust Satan makes the grass greener on the other side of the fence, and our neighbor sexually attractive.
The great deceiver
The master of deceit and the purveyor of persuasion the devil can use flattery, intellectual argument, allure and huckstering to manipulate the unaware. He whispers, “One little time won’t matter;” “Who will know;” You deserve this;” “What difference will it make;” Everybody does it;” “Why should you be denied a little fun;’ “You can afford it.;”
Master of confusion
An encounter with the devil or the evil person produces confusion. Our thoughts become jumbled. Clear thinking dissipates as the prince of lies weaves a web of deception.
Counterfeit behavior
Evil people have a powerful unwillingness to accept their sins and imperfections. They desperately attempt to hide their malevolence from themselves and intensely desire to appear good to others. Their dead-eyed smiles, their unctuous, smarmy manner, their whitewash rationalizations may unmask their pretense to the careful observer.
Overweening pride
The overweening pride of evil people reflects a complete and total refusal to submit to anyone beyond their will.
The aversion response
The evil person often engenders revulsion in the healthy and the virtuous. We want to flee or get out of the room as quickly as possible and well we should. We can assume that this flight response comes from God’s protective force.
Resist The Devil
Because the devil exits in subtle ways we can avoid Satan and his minions by being alert to his prowling ways, his existence in day-by-day enticements..
Be careful about what we watch and read
Does the material build our spirit or sap our energy and leave us restless and dissatisfied? We can look for media that helps us feel good about ourselves and others. Clean humor relieves stress. Biographies inspire. Reading history builds knowledge and wisdom. Good fiction improves character. Entertaining fiction relaxes us. The Bible provides meaning and purpose.
Internet traps
Be cautious of Internet traps pornography, violence, gambling reside. 5. Analyze Facebook entrapments. Do messages from friends produce jealousy, envy, or discontent? Are our posts prideful? Could we spend more time on uplifting experiences?
The importance of a mentor
Cultivate a Christian mentor to monitor our behavior.
A beneficial social life
We can bring zest, vitality, and liveliness to our daily activities by socializing lively, joy-filled Christians.
Spiritual armor
We can arm ourselves against the spiritual forces of evil: put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation; take up the shield of faith, and brandish the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.
Calling on Jesus
We the devil attacks we call call on Jesus to help us. We can say something like this: “Devil in the name of Jesus Christ flee. Get out of my mind, and thoughts in the name of Jesus. Leave me alone in the name of Jesus Christ. Flee devil.”
The Good Life
The better our relationship with God the more we will realize the devil’s existence in our lives. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will help us overcome our temptations and weaknesses. Daily Bible reading and prayer are the two best defenses against the devil, When we resist so we can lead the good life God wishes for us.