I was in Idaho doing a Youth Fireside this past week. As part of the presentation I asked several of the youth to DRAW A PICTURE OF SATAN. I gave them a blank piece of paper and a crayon. Here are a sample of the pictures from these 12-18 year olds. EACH YOUTH asked to draw the picture, depicted Satan with a body, with horns, a pointed tail, and a pitch fork.

So What? You Might Ask.
Can you imagine the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers not having scouted out their opponents before the World Series. <Looks like the Tigers didn’t do a very good job. ;)>   Or  the Atlanta Falcons not checking out the Houston Texans before the game. They wouldn’t think of playing a big game without have scouted their opponent. They must know each of the opposing team’s members- strengths and weaknesses, if they are to be victorious.

The same is true for you and I.

Well in the pre-existence there was sides chosen for the big game-Earth Life. On one side Satan and on the other side Jesus. What’s at stake? Our eternal souls.  If we fail to recognize “Satan” and his evil DEVICES we are in trouble. As Paul said,

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Cor. 2:11)

Only Satan would want us believe he does not exist, saying to us:

“I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.” (2 Nephi 28:22).

He’s not a cartoon character. Satan does not have horns, cloven hoofs, a pointed tail or carry a pitch fork! He does not have a physical body!!!! Satan is as much a personal individual spirit being as you and I. He is a guy with thoughts and feelings.

“We Latter-day Saints need not be, and we must not be, deceived by the sophistries of men concerning the reality of Satan. There is a personal devil, and we had better believe it“ (Marion G. Romney, “Satan, the Great Deceiver,” Ensign, Feb. 2005, pgs. 52–57).

So What Is Satan’s Game Plan?

Simple.

To DESTROY OUR AGENCY (Moses 4:3).  Through lies and deceptions.

Look at some of the words used to describe Satan’s offensive plan.

“And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will” (Moses 4:3–4).

Satan has the “power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you” (2 Ne. 2:29);  And

Conclusion: The consequence of sin as “Bondage“.  (D&C 84:49-51; Morm. 8:31).
(This helps us understand how “addiction” works.)

To learn more about Satan and his methods see: The Lion Sleeps Tonight- NOT! ; The Safest Road to Hell…; and Satan’s Finest Tool.

THE END.

So Now What?

As much as Satan would like to deceive us in believing he does not exist and he has no real plan, he cannot—as long as we are faithful to the teachings God has given.

These are the last days. We cannot afford to become casual in our worship!

My advice – realize there is a real Satan who has an organized and powerful offense. Keep the commandments of God the best we can. By so doing, we can usually keep ourselves free from the bondage of sin.

WE NEED NOT become paralyzed with fear of Satan’s power. He can have no power over us unless we permit it.  As we learn more about the enemy (Satan) we realize he is really a coward, and if we stand firm, he will retreat. The Apostle James said:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will fleefrom you.” ( James 4:7)

Challenge
Ask someone you love to draw a picture of Satan.
Teach them.

ALSO READ:
          Satan’s Special Forces
          The Lion Sleeps Tonight- NOT!
          Pleasures of Sin
          Successful Sinners
          I can’t stop. Help! – Fall Season of sin/addiction
          Viewing Leads to Doing – Winter Season of sin/addiction
          The Safest Road to Hell… — “Gradual Process” used by Satan 
          The Safest Road to Heaven...— Gradual Process” used by God

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