Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Tuesday, 31 August 2021

Why unintentionally invite the devil into one's life?

By Munir Bayouk/ en.abouna.org :

Evil practices have been abounding all the time since the early days of life on Earth. Some people who are attracted by the lust for power, fame, and wealth resort sometimes to some practices that they think are safe, yet they unintentionally invite the devil into their lives. 

 

Shedding light on such practices will keep people at bay from the Satanic influences that harm their lives and keep they away from the mercy and love for the Lord.

 

The Holy Bible contains several verses that warn the believers against succumbing to the wiles and machinations of Satan. Among the most popular verses is: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

 

Lord Jesus is the ultimate power, so the devil needs not be feared, but he should be always be avoided for our own spiritual well-being.  Lord Jesus defeated Satan and helped free people from the influence of devil as repeatedly mentioned in the Holy Bible.

 

From this premise it is important to avoid certain practices that unintentionally invite the devil into one's life. This includes horoscopes that are in newspapers and magazines that claim power to know the future that is not from God.  The Lord knows peoples' future, so resorting to astrology goes against the First Commandment which states, " "I am the Lord thy God you shall have no other gods before Me.”

 

Some people also resort to mediums to speak with the dead as well as to fortune tellers and the like. Such practices draw their power from the devil and the Old Testament--as mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:10-11 and Isaiah 19:3-- condemns conjuring up the dead.

 

 Furthermore, wishing for someone to burn in hell is not a healthy attitude because the devil wants as many souls as possible to spend eternity in hell. One should never desire anyone’s damnation since it aligns us with the devil and pits one against God’s will.

 

One the other hand it is important to avoid fortune tellers, palm readers, Tarot card readers and the like because such practices manipulate the known world by tapping into a power that is not God. Avoid unforgiveness which is when one is unwilling or unable to forgive someone for hurting, betraying, breaking trust or causing you intense emotional pain. Follow the teachings of the Lord to forgive others multiple times and abstain from pornography because it enslaves people and destroys relationships just as the devil wants.

 

It is important to adhere to the light of Lord Jesus Christ and let Him shine His bright light onto the darkness to reveal the snares of the devil.

 

It is important to ask Lord Jesus to give  us hope by saying, " When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts assail us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide! That we may find serenity in Your presence, and purpose in doing Your will.