Billy Graham: Christians Must Never Be Afraid to Talk About the Devil
Christians should never be afraid to talk about the devil, says world renowned evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham.
"I don't know if I'm right, but it seems to me that we used to hear a lot more about the devil than we do today. Was talking about the devil just kind of a passing fad?" Graham was asked by a reader of his question-and-answer column on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's website.
Graham responded that he hoped "talking about the devil wasn't just a passing fad" given that "Satan is real, and he is just as much at work today as he was a few decades ago."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
While noting the present spiritual danger, Graham went on to quote 1 Peter 5:8, which reads: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
"While we should never make the devil the sole focus of our attention (for only Christ is worthy of that honor), we do need to be alert to his schemes and on guard against his attacks," wrote Graham.
"Satan's primary goal is to block God's plans in every way he possibly can. Sometimes his attacks are very open and obvious, but often he works in hidden and subtle ways, seeking to deceive people and turn them away from Christ."
Graham said he agreed with the popular phrase that "one of the devil's most successful schemes is to convince people he doesn't even exist."
"After all, if you don't think he exists, you won't be on guard against him. But he does exist, and he'll do everything he can to keep you from Christ and His will for your life," continued Graham.
"Make sure you are committed to Jesus Christ. Then walk with Him every day by reading the Bible, praying, and learning from other believers."
This is not the first time that Graham has addressed a matter regarding the devil to someone in an advice column published this year.
Back in July, Graham was asked who people are to blame for all the evil in the world.
"If God is all-powerful, doesn't that make Him responsible for everything that happens, even evil?"
Graham explained that "God is not responsible for the evil in the world, nor will He ever do anything evil or wrong."
"Nor does God ever tempt us to do evil or make us do anything wrong. Not only would that be against His perfect nature, but it also would defeat His plans for us, plans for good and not evil," wrote Graham.
"Admittedly, God hasn't told us everything we'd like to know about evil and why it exists, but one thing is clear: God is not the author of evil, nor does He give in to its allure."
