Right after Adam and Eve were taken out from the Garden of Eden because of their disobedience from God's commandment, sin permeated in the hearts and minds of human beings. We become susceptible to sin, and Satan takes advantage of our sinful behaviors to tempt us to sin against God and each other. The first murder in the history of humankind happened after Adam and Eve conceived their two sons. Cain killed his brother Abel because of jealousy. Satan uses the pleasures of this world, such as money, lust, power, pride, fame, control, and wealth, to deceive people into thinking that they do not need God. John 8:44 says, "You are of your father the devil (Satan), and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
As we look around us today, we see that crime and violence are rampant. People want peace and prosperity in life, but Satan has deceived their minds that to get peace and prosperity is through the things of this world, and God is not the way. Many people are rejecting God in their lives and trusting in their own ways. They tried to take away God from schools and society; as a result, people are suffering from crime and violence. People are constantly blaming the government for what is happening in the country, but the source of the problem is the people's hearts. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, "The god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (The god of this age refers to Satan because Satan controls the hearts and minds of the people who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.)
The eyes of people can only be opened through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 26:18 says, "To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." We need to thank God that He opened our eyes to know His truth and that Satan is no longer in control of our hearts and minds. We need to share our faith with others so that they too may know the truth and be rescued from Satan's control.
Ask yourself these questions: Who controls the hearts and minds of the people who do not believe in our Lord Jesus? What is the source of the problem of crime and violence? What do I need to do so that those who do not know the Lord will come to know God so that they will be rescued from Satan's control?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you for opening my eyes to your truth. Thank you that my heart and mind are no longer under Satan's control. Please help me to live my life for you and share my faith with others who do not know you so that they, too, will be rescued from Satan's control. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.