6 Words That Will Change Your LifeSample

I’ll never forget the first time I watched the previews to the 1973 horror film classic, The Exorcist. This film was groundbreaking for its time, and very graphic. It told the story of a twelve-year-old girl who becomes possessed by the devil. Her bed shakes, her body levitates, and she vomits pea-green puke all over a holy water-flinging priest. 

As soon as I watched the previews (which terrified me), my mom said, “Go to bed.”  I lay in my bed almost sure I could feel it shaking. I began to cry out to my mom. Finally, she screamed up the stairs, “If you don’t stay quiet, I’m gonna come up there and spank you!!!” I yelled back, “Please do!!!!” I figured a good old-fashioned spanking was better than fighting off the devil. 

And that’s the problem for many Christians. We tend to view the devil more through the eyes of the producer of The Exorcist than we do through the lens of Scripture.  

According to the Bible, Satan was beautiful, winsome and powerful. But pride filled his heart, and he rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. 

But when he was cast out, he didn’t suddenly turn ugly and grow horns and a tail. He is still beautiful.  

It was this angelic being who disguised himself as a serpent in the Garden of Eden and tempted Eve.  

The devil wanted what he was sure was his due. He had already led the charge in a failed attempt to conquer Jesus in heaven, so now it was time to conquer the earth.  He wanted to hijack what God had given to humanity. 

The story of human history is often understood in terms of an unfolding chess match between God and Satan in the battle for the hearts of humanity. While we know that God has held the final “checkmate” move since the beginning of time, in His sovereignty He is letting the chess match unfold to demonstrate His glorious wisdom and power. 

But the devil wants his due.  He’s still whispering lies as an angel of light, hoping to lure you away from the true Light of the World—Jesus.  

Don’t listen to him. And, if you can, avoid pea-green soup. 

What lie is Satan trying to slither into your mind to damage your relationship with God or with others? Label the lie. Invite God, through the Holy Spirit, to replace that lie with His truth.  

Whatever deception you’ve fallen for in the Evil One’s bag of lies, ask God to help you walk in the truth of James 4:7 in this area of your life: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”