This particular post is number 666 for me. I just happened to see that before I started to write. What is unusual about this is that I had a topic in mind that I had decided against blogging about because I thought it was sort of controversial. But when I saw that this was my 666th post, I changed my mind about the topic. So controversy, here we come!
Often, I hear people attribute trials or temptations in their lives to "the work of Satan." And they mean that Satan is personally bothering them or causing problems for them, or trying to get them to sin. And that just doesn't jive with what I believe about Satan. See, I don't think he is omnipresent, or omnipotent like God. I believe God can be all places at once, but I think Satan is limited to one place at a time. And basically, I don't think I am important enough for Satan to personally attack me. I figure he's busy with world leaders, and church leaders. I think there are other dark powers besides Satan, and there may be one or two or more (!) demons assigned to me. Who knows. But I really don't think Satan himself is interacting with me. And while I am stirring up controversy, I might as well add that I don't like to attribute my sinful thoughts and ideas to Satan or any demon either. No, I am quite able to come up with those evil thoughts on my own due to my own selfishness and impurity. Maybe some of my sinful thoughts are spurred on by outside forces, but I am willing to bet most of them come from within my own heart.
I know many disagree with this opinion of mine. And that's fine. Maybe there will be some discussion in the comments that supports the idea that Satan can and does personally attack the billions of average Joes on this planet. If so, I'd be interested to hear that side of it.
Sorry I didn't steer clear of controversy. I can make up for it by posting a super Music Monday. I've got a funky song in mind that's sure to bring the 70's to the front of your brain.
11 comments:
I'm with you...I don't think Satan knows what I'm thinking. He just reacts to by behavior. It was so good to see you at RE!
hmmmmmm there is a book I read some time ago that convinced me otherwise. Author is Joe Beam and I will try to see if I can get the name--I may have it. Would be interesting reading for you at least. granna
It's Seeing the Unseen on spiritual warfare. granna
I agree with you in that sometimes we tend to give Satan some of the characteristics of God, omnipresent, omnipotent, etc., and he is not. I kinda view it like a war. You have a man guy in command (Satan) of one side and though he can't see everything that is going on, he gets reports, decides what to do and gives his command.
I think we would all be surprised at what the "average joe" can accomplish!
You little rebel you!!!
I don't know what is the correct answer here but I know the bible does say our battle is not against the flesh.
I found a site that reinforced my belief that Satan has lots of power here on earth...See what you think http://users.aristotle.net/~bhuie/satan.htm
some verses that I have used to defend my belief..are I Peter 5:8, Eph 6:10-17, James 4:7,2 Tim 2:24..just some ideas..it does make me think when you said the characteristics of God..but he is referred to as prince of the world..again just some thoughts to ponder..
good post, mostly.
-Wormwood.
Just going through and throwing away old magazines and ran across an article that might be of interest..In the December 3,2007 Time magaine, they have an article on what makes us good/evil..?? Do they have the answer??? Take care..Becky, I enjoy your blog.
oops, I misspelled magazine..sorry..
Becky, I sent a friend to look at your comment..This was her response
WOW, what a deep thinking young lady. Her thoughts on demons is very interesting. I believe Satan has demons to help, but her thought on 'omni's is very interesting - I had never thought about it that way..
This lady is my mentor and we talk a lot about our beliefs and faith..
I agree that Satan does not have the same powers as God. Not sure how it works but I do think he must be more present than you have stated because of James 4:7 "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" Also I Corinthians 10:13 "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." So someone is doing the tempting? While I don't understand it all, I do want to make sure that I arm myself to withstand the attacks when they come because I have no doubt they will, but stand confident that God is much bigger!!
Post a Comment