Satan is real: What does that mean for single people?
Don't believe them. Satan is real.
He is not a fairy tale, harmless superstition, or myth made up by primitive peasants. He exists in spite of the mockery of sophisticated intellectuals.
Satan is the arch enemy of single people. Those of us who spend so much time alone are vulnerable to his attacks, but for a very good reason, Christians should not fear him. However, singles who are not in Christ must be on guard against this invisible attacker.
Let's take a closer look at this ancient adversary.
Satan is real. Says who?
We know the devil exists because Jesus Christ did spiritual battle with the devil on more than one occasion:
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:10, NIV)
You can find the entire account of Jesus' testing in the wilderness in the fourth chapter of the gospel of Matthew. Since Jesus was alone in the desert with the Tempter, he had to tell Matthew what happened. Anyone who claims Satan does not exist is saying Jesus lied about that episode.
Jesus never lied in his life. He is not capable of lying.
But the devil is mentioned several times in the Old Testament as well. If you're a Christian, you believe the Bible is true. It's the written word of God. It's not a collection of old myths as some modern critics would like you to believe.
What can he do to you?
Even Christians have many misconceptions about Satan. Let's dispel the most common misbelief right away: Satan cannot read your mind.
Satan is real, powerful and cunning, but he is limited in what he can do. Our best information on him is in the Bible. Nowhere do you read of him knowing a biblical character's thoughts.
That being said, the devil has been a careful observer of human nature since the Fall of Adam and Eve. When it comes to tempting human beings, he knows what works and what doesn't.
He can't be everywhere. He does not possess the powers of omnipresence as God does. Neither is he omniscient or able to know all things, as God does.
His followers are demons, or fallen angels. The gospels show us demons harass human beings. No one knows how many demons exist, but it's safe to say the devil controls a great army of them. They do his will.
People who dabble in the occult, seances, and even New Age risk contacting demons. So-called "spirit guides" are demons in disguise. If they seem harmless, consider what their true motive is. They lure people away from Jesus Christ, and that has disastrous consequences.
Satan can tempt you to sin. He and his demons make sin seem inconsequential. But every action has consequences, whether good or bad. In the long run, sin's results are always bad. Ask anyone who got hooked on drugs.
Should you worry about this?
Satan is real. He poses a threat. But once you are saved, your salvation is secure. Satan cannot take it away from you. So how should single people respond to the reality of the devil?
First, Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who helps us discern between good and evil, right and wrong. Knowing the Ten Commandments is a good start. Learn how to use your God-given imagination to look ahead. Ask yourself, "What could happen if I go ahead with this sin?"
Second, choose God instead of our culture. As far as our society is concerned, "anything goes." God knows better. He lays down moral laws for our protection. Satan may convince movie directors to portray immoral lifestyles as attractive, but sin is still sin. God loves you and has your long term welfare at heart, not making a profit.
Third, remember Satan was defeated at Calvary. Jesus broke Satan's power when he died for our sins. So don't spend a lot of time thinking about the devil. Keep your mind on Jesus instead. It's only a matter of time before Satan is finished for good. Cling to Christ because he brings freedom. There is no greater freedom than freedom from sin.
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