"Live a life worthy of the calling..."

The Devil Made Me Do it! This phrase has become the (not so) modern, “my dog ate my homework.” I recently attended a service at a Pentecostal church where the prayers for those who were hurting was vocalized as “those under Satan’s attack during this cold season.” Though I believe the Fallen Angel known as Lucifer is a very real entity, I do not believe that he is solely responsible for all misdoings in the world. We seem to be easy to pass the buck, and it goes both ways, up and down. If something bad happens then its obviously Satan’s fault. But if we miss an opportunity then we console ourselves with a comforting lie, “God was obviously saving me for something bigger.” There is no responsibility for one’s own actions. When I asked that Pentecostal ministry about it she went on about the forces of evil attacking us. I agree we should be on our guard, and Jesus Himself often told us that there were dark forces such as demons out there. The demons took on the form of illness and diseases such as the demon possessed man who was blind and mute in Matthew 12. Instead of playing the blame game with Satan, use the less than perfect circumstances of life to glorify God and take responsibility for our own actions. Coram Deo, a Latin phrase meaning ”before God” or “In His presence” is the attitude we should adopt. For the Apostle Paul, this was crucial:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” –Colossians 3:17

“Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:1-2