What The Devil is Wrong?

A deep spiritual malaise exists in many areas of our world today. In our homes, schools and workplaces there are many dark situations. We see this manifested in different ways: selfish attitudes, bullying, lack of purpose, superficiality and worse. This does not bode well for the greater society since the above mentioned institutions are foundational to the teaching, maintaining and promoting of a happy and well-functioning society. Some headlines bring this to mind.

HOME: While many are laughing about the thirty year old New York man, whose parents were forced to take him to court in order to get him out of their house, I think it is anything but a laughing matter. It has been an historical fact that throughout much of human history that many generations of one family resided together under one roof. Ususally, it meant laboring together for the good of the extended family. It meant pooling the resources of the family for both work, survival and safety. Now, it represents a "failure to launch."
Proverbs 12:11 "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chose fantasies have not sense."

Then, there is the recent television interview of two grandparents, whose daughter was accused of murdering their granddaughter. Casey Anthony, who beat that murder wrap, became known as the most hated mom in America. This case, which occurred ten years ago continues to fascinate the public. Why? I think there are many answers to that. One of them is the incomprehensibiliry of the act. The question of why this happened, and what does it portend; weigh upon the collective conscience.
Matthew 15:19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts- murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

SCHOOL: What of the recent school shootings in Florida and Texas? Schools have and always will be a bellweather expressing the deep core issues of any people in any place. As long as I can remember now, schools in the U.S. have been a place of cruelty. A place best described by the classic 1954 novel, "The Lord Of The Flies" by Nobel Prize-winning writer William Golding. Golding describes a group of students who get marooned on a remote island. With no adult supervision, their attempts to create a just and sane environment are not possible. Left to their own devises they create a destructive and hellish existence.

What an apt description of the state of the American teen! Left to their own devices by pre-occupied and self-centered parents who are more concerned with their phones then their children's well-being, schools are no longer all they could be. It is very easy to blame the teachers or guns, but the Bible is explicit that parents are to train a child in the way that they should go, and when they are old they will not depart. We are seeing bad behavior because of the direction that our parenting has taken.
Titus 2:7-8 "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

WORKPLACES: Frankie* had worked for a social services agency long before he ever became a Christian. Things he had long experienced however, took on a different hue when viewed through the lens of his Christian values.  It no longer seemed right to him to observe the million little day in and day out corruptions that exist in that workplace: the petty and not so petty battles going on. The acting out of jealousies or greed. The lack of a work ethic.
Psalm 90:17 "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us-yes establish the work of our hands."

No one seemed to care about creating the type of cooperation which would make that agency operate smoothly. Furthermore, where was the gratitude or accountability to the citizens whose taxes paid for their salaries and benefits? No, to Frankie it seemed many were in this job for what they could get, and nothing more. Does this seem familiar to you?
COLOSSIANS 3:23 "Whatever you do,work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters."

WHAT THE DEVIL IS WRONG? Beyond the headlines and our daily life there are deeper spiritual truths revealing themselves. In the opening chapter of the book of Job, we meet God and Satan (your adversary). We learn that the devil, who is real, walks to and fro, and up and down among us. We learn that there is a supernatural battle that is being waged for our souls. We are not merely passing through a meaningless life. Our thoughts and our actions matter. Not just to us, and those around us, but also to God and the Devil. Those thoughts and actions can make our home, school and work zones a better place. Although we can never hope to achieve perfection, understanding and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, can be our ticket to a clear understanding of how we ought to live.

Are you ready to make some changes in your life, because you know that you have been wrong? As you read this post, consider if you need to change your relationships at home, in school or at work? It all begins with a self-inventory. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners. It makes it clear that we are to look at ourselves honestly and consider the kind of person that we are and the things that we have done. Only then, can we understand our need for the Savior Jesus Christ. This will not be easy because Satan, in the guise of popular culture, tells you that you are basically a good person. This is a lie and it will not lead you to God nor toward being your best self.
Luke 1:37 "For no Word from God will ever fail."

I hope that we all realize that WHAT THE DEVIL IS WRONG is US and the choices that we have made and the effect that they have. There is a gargantuan battle going on for the direction of our world. The question is will you choose to follow God or the Devil in your home, in your school, or on your job?
Acts 2:38 "Peter replied, repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of  Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."


*the names were changed.