ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I don’t know if I’m right, but it seems to me that we used to hear a lot more about the devil than we do today. Was talking about the devil just kind of a passing fad?

— K.D. DEAR K. D.: I hope talking about the devil wasn’t just a passing fad, because Satan is real, and he is just as much at work today as he was a few decades ago. The Bible’s warning is still true: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

While we should never make the devil the sole focus of our attention (for only Christ is worthy of that honor), we do need to be alert to his schemes and on guard against his attacks. Satan’s primary goal is to block God’s plans in every way he possibly can. Sometimes his attacks are very open and obvious, but often he works in hidden and subtle ways, seeking to deceive people and turn them away from Christ. Jesus said that when the devil lies, “he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

It’s been said that one of the devil’s most successful schemes is to convince people he doesn’t exist, and that’s true. After all, if you don’t think he exists, you won’t be on guard against him. But he does exist, and he’ll do everything he can to keep you from Christ and His will for your life.

Make sure you are committed to Jesus Christ. Then walk with Him every day by reading the Bible, praying and learning from other believers. The Bible says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8).