“The devil made me do it!” It’s a phrase often used in jest, but it touches upon a profound question: Where does the line blur between demonic influence and our own moral responsibility? At Remnant Radio, we’ve wrestled with this complex issue, seeking to navigate the delicate balance between acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare and affirming the importance of personal accountability. It’s a topic that demands careful discernment, avoiding the pitfalls of either minimizing the power of evil or excusing our own sinful choices.

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We believe it’s important to be clear: Satan is real, and his influence is pervasive. We see this throughout Scripture, from the serpent’s deception in the Garden of Eden to the demonic forces that Jesus encountered during His ministry. However, we also affirm that God created humanity with free will and calls us to make choices that align with His commands. This means that even when tempted, influenced, or oppressed by demonic forces, we are not mere puppets.

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We can’t just say the devil made me do it. We bear the consequences for sin and so does the devil. We're all at fault.

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So, how do we navigate this tension? A proactive approach to spiritual warfare is essential. This involves cultivating a love for truth, actively discerning between good and evil, and taking responsibility for our thoughts, words, and actions. We also recognize the vital role of community, surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who can offer support, accountability, and encouragement on this journey. We can be proactive on the front end to protect ourselves from demonic influence. And if we do fall into temptation, the Lord provides opportunity for reconcilation and renewal by acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness.

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The key takeaway? While the devil may tempt, influence, and deceive, we are not powerless. We have a responsibility to choose righteousness, to resist temptation, and to take ownership of our actions. By embracing both grace and truth, we can engage in spiritual warfare with wisdom and discernment, and live lives that are pleasing to God.

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