LOTS of years ago, Flip Wilson had a line that got a few laughs. He’d tell a story and convey exactly how the devil made him do something that he shouldn’t have. I have been thinking about that line and if I believe demons or “the devil” really is the culprit in my wrongdoing. Yesterday, I made the comment that I think we give the devil way too much credit. After all, he can only be one place at a time, and furthermore, why would he pick on someone with as little influence as me? I was fairly convinced that I can be my own worst enemy sometimes in my actions (and yes, I do believe Satan is alive and well and there is real evil in this world, but I wasn’t sure it all started with him saying, “I’m gonna get her today…”) My friend was troubled by this because she believed that all evil is caused by the devil. We talked about this for a while and I started to change my mind. I think I balked at the idea because I believe we have to take responsibility for our sin. When we let our guard down in an area, it opens the door to our evil desires. And that is the part that we have to take up with God in repentance. But that is not the same thing as recognizing (and acknowledging) where evil comes from. What we concluded was that evil is all around us (1 John 5:19) and Satan is prince of this world, but we have the power and the choice to overcome evil. (Romans 12:21) And the Lord will rescue us from every evil attack. (2 Timothy 4:18) Does all sin come from the evil one or is human nature sometimes responsible? What do you think?
a view through annie's eyes 
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