The Reality of Evil

I preached this morning about the reality of the devil and his coniving wiles to deceive and take us down. Indeed, when Jesus casts "Legion" out of the demoniac into the swine they run right off of the cliff and this is exactly what Satan and all his demons are doing for all eternity running off of the cliff and they will do anything to get us to share in this misery. 

Pop-psychology in general (there are exceptions) based on my experience has been inundated with the evil one. The sober reality of Christian doctrine on the soul and how to have a healthy soul through the grace of God is never looked at, but rather it often today turns to the New Age movement, Yoga, Reiki, Spirit Crystals, and other things that are polluted with gateways to the occult. Like it or not I am saying it and (again) my experience in my young priesthood has only confirmed this for me. Three years ago I would never have said this so matter-of-fact. 

In the mean time our culture has us believing that the devil isn't real and gets us to reject God (double and triple whammy?/three strikes and your out). The pure Christian spiritual doctrine can give us a much more sober approach to evil and the need to cast away the devil, rebuke Him, and turn to the mercy of God for healing. (St. Michael prayer anyone?) 

Here are some scripture passages to reflect on: 

James 4:7

"So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  

Ephesians 4:27

"If you are angry, let it be without sin. The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you." 

1 Peter 5:8-9

"Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith."

Ephesians 6:10-17

"Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

The reality is that the spirit of evil is constantly trying to tempt us and oppress. Besides the more scary (and rare) truth of possession and need for exorcism the devil is active regularly in temptation and what is called 'oppression'. 

Temptation is three-fold and has the influence of evil at every level: 

1) From the world - Manifested in trying to reject God

2) From the Flesh - Manifested in being attracted to what is sinful and not appropriate

3) From the Devil - Manifested in the suggestion to satisfy the cracing for what is not appropriate

Oppression is found a spiritual component of many of the addictions people might experience and often won't feel free from until they try to rebuke the devil and turn to God. Addictions to binge drinking, compulsive smoking, stealing, gambling, pornography, etc.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host by the Divine Power of God cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.