The devil? You've go to be kidding me.

Perhaps it is the red suit and the horns, but reasonable, educated people don't talk about the Devil.  Of all the things we are willing to talk about: how you spend your money, your sexual identity, how you raise your children, we don't like talking about the devil.  I'm not sure why because most of us truly do believe that evil is powerful, it is present in our world, and we have experienced it first hand.


The Bible has no such problem.  The serpent in the Garden of Eden takes on the role of the tempter, the sly one who manages to turn the heads of Adam and Eve with disastrous and long lasting results.  When we get to the New Testament, Jesus himself is tempted by Satan (the tempter or tester) both at the beginning of his ministry and during Holy Week when the end is frighteningly close.

So what are we talking about here?  We're talking about powers that want nothing to do with God and God's mission of life and well being.  We're talking about powers who try their best to turn our heads away from the reality of God's love for us.....who try to convince us that we are better off without God and God's notions of love for others and building community.

We're talking about that whisper that says to you: "You are not enough."  You are not smart, pretty, rich, tall, strong, talented.....you fill in the blank.....enough.  Press forward.  Push your way to the top.  Be the winner of all.  Don't listen to that God who claims you as a child of God and calls you beloved. Don't be fooled.

We're talking about that voice which assures you that you are entitled.  You are entitled to the extra money, the front row seat, the fancy title.  You are entitled to have so much food you throw 20% of it away as scrap.  You are entitled to own 10 pair of shoes, or 3 homes, or 4 winter coats.  You are entitled to it.....so pay no attention to that God who calls you to love your neighbor and to care for them.

We're talking about that voice that says...go ahead.  Be snarky, take more than your share, make fun of that weakling, ignore the system that incarcerates too many minority folk, give no thought to the ones who are hungry.

That's the devil.......who wants you to forget the God who created you, loves you and invites you to live a full life which includes life for all.  Good old Satan....he's a me, me, me kind of guy who works to shade the truth, grab your attention and leave you in the dust when it's all over.

Jesus, on the other hand, calls you brother and sister and who, by the time it is all over, will take the cross for the sake of love.  You are a baptized child of God.  Cling to that reality in the face of all.  Amen