1 The Devil
In 1942, C S Lewis published his book The Screwtape Letters. These letters are written by a senior devil called Screwtape, to a younger colleague, Wormwood, about a man over which he has some influence. In our devotionals this week we will look at five short extracts from the book to see how the devil tries to make us ineffective as Christians.
“The fact that devils are predominantly comic figures in the modern imagination will help you (writes Screwtape). If any faint suspicion of your existence begins to arise in his mind, suggest to him a picture of something in red tights, and persuade him that since he cannot believe in that... he cannot therefore believe in you.” [The Screwtape Letters, p 40]
One thing that is central to the devil’s scheme of action is that he never wants to be known or recognised. He is desperate for his existence to be doubted.
If we could see him pulling the strings in international politics or child trafficking or atheism, we would recognise his evil influence. But, by keeping in the shadows, by keeping a low profile, he can exercise a malign influence across the world, in our daily lives and even in the church, without being implicated.
But many people say that to believe in the existence of the devil is laughable in a self-confident and modern society like ours. But, while we might live in a world with electronic communication, modern medicines and great prosperity, evidence of the devil’s work is never far away. Wars, family breakdown, climate change, addiction and disease are some of the things on which we can find the devil’s fingerprints.
The Bible is clear about his existence:
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:18,19 [NIV]
Lord, help me to recognise the influence of the devil in the world around me. Help my faith in you to be strong, because you have already defeated him on the cross. Give me opportunities today to demonstrate your love and to tell people about you. Amen.
David Long
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