Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
It has existed since the beginning of time and most likely will remain until time ceases to exist. Throughout the centuries it has challenged the greatest of the spiritual Masters; however, it claims its greatest victory was won when it separated the first man and woman from the Creator with a piece of fruit. From that moment forward, it has relentlessly pursued generation upon generation of spiritual assault. While it may appear to create spiritual assault, the assault is never permanent because it requires a willing soul, and unless you are willing, it cannot exact any influence upon you.
Peter, the Apostle, was very aware of the prowess of this crafty chameleon. As it has existed for centuries, Peter understood you must be “sober-minded and watchful” as “it” as described in the definition from Wikipedia “is the serpent in Christianity, the human opponent in Judaism, the enemy in Islam and the lowest of the human nature within the Baha’i Faith.” It seeks to devour your mind, your body and most importantly your soul. Whatever definition you subscribe to, it still remains, “d-evil” and it is “the evil.” Quite possibly, centuries ago, it may have been simply “the evil.” However, as it wormed its way through soul after soul creating separation between the Creator and his offspring, one soul may have shouted “damn evil!” and it was shortened to “d-evil” and later became “devil.” However it came, it has remained and it is “pure evil.”
Peter was absolutely correct when he stated “the devil is your adversary.” You must be persistent in keeping the doors to your mind closed to him as he is “thought nurtured.” He will go to any length to capture and hold your thoughts hostage as this is his only means of survival. Without your thoughts “he cannot exist.” His power is the power you bestow upon him through your thoughts and he is quite persistent when he is “on the prowl” within your mind.
Remember the devil’s sole purpose is to “oppose and obstruct” anything within your spirit that is righteous and good. He has crafted his art of “seek and destroy” throughout the ages and you must be deliberately diligent to ensure that you remain “sober-minded and watchful” within your mind as he is always seeking to destroy and keep you separated from your Creator and all that is good “about you” and “for you.” Be diligent, be relentless and be persistence in your efforts and give your best effort so “the d-evil” never wins.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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When ever I think of Peter and his words it always reminds me of the saying “An idle mind is the devil’s play ground.”
I also believe it’s true that he only has as much power as you give him. That’s one of the reasons I always try to remember to do unto other as I would have them do unto me. Words to live by.
You are correct! Those are words to live by!
I agree, we have to be persistent in keeping the doors to our mind closed to the devil. For my family, a big part of this is being selective and thoughtful about what we put in front of our minds and allow into our home. Many people keep asking me, “Have you read Shades of Grey?” Admittedly, I know very little about those books, but I know enough to know that keeping my mind closed to the devil means I won’t be reading those books!
Another great read, this actually gave me goose bumps because it’s so true, d evil he never stops he is relentless, it’s a constant struggle to stay true to the almighty, the d evil puts so many obstructions daily within my and all of our lives, you don’t even realize it..my sister explained gossip to me one day, she said gossip is like stealing, so when I see myself starting to gossip I remember that it’s not my story I’m stealing it and I despise people who lie.