“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone,
it roams through arid regions searching for rest
but, finding none, it says,
‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’
But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order.
Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits
more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there,
and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.” (Lk 11:24-26)
Someone who does not get enough press?
That would be the devil.
You heard me right.
The devil thrives upon anonymity and ignorance. The devil would rather have people think that things happen because of chance or luck or fate, that bad things come about because of coincidence or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Because you cannot guard against those kinds of things.
You take ’em as they come.
However, if you acknowledge that there is an enemy, you are more prone to guard against that enemy. You are more prone to prepare yourself for battle.
Jesus tells His people to prepare themselves and to not rest on their laurels.
They must be ready, every day, to fight the enemy. They must be ready, every day, to resist temptation. They must be ready, every day, to ward off the evil one.
Letting down one’s guard makes it easy for the enemy to win.
There is a battle going on for each and every soul. Jesus already paid the price and won the victory for us if we but claim it. Don’t give the victory to His — and our — enemy.
FAITH ACTION: Begin this day dedicating yourself to God. End this day with an act of contrition for anything you may do contrary to the teachings of Christ. Make sure that you keep your sights on the Lord.