Back in the seventies, there was a popular saying, "The Devil made me do it." The originator of this phrase is lost to history but it was certainly made popular by comedian Flip Wilson. In a time of free love, drug experimentation, social change, etc., it was indicative of the struggle we have with right versus wrong. The phrase itself indicates an awareness and perhaps even a regret at having committed some act. But it simultaneously shifts the blame and provides an excuse.
Today, we still employ a form of this mentality. We should know, however, that long before today, or the seventies for that matter, God saw to it that this fallacy was addressed.
- James advised submission to God and resistance to Satan: "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
- Jesus put Satan in his place: "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me:" Matt 16:23
- Jesus also responded with the word of God: "It is written," Matt 4:4
- Joseph was wise enough to run away: "And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside." Gen 39:12
Beloved, Satan cannot make any of us do a single thing. Though he uses influence, we make the choice. Let us not look to blame anyone or anything for the things that we choose to do or not do. It starts and ends with us.
In Revival,
Lee
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