Sunday, June 24, 2012

The Character of Satan


On my previous post I asked some questions about joking around with friends. After thinking through the subject for a little longer I have come to a partial conclusion on the matter. The most influential verse I looked at in contemplating the issue of joking with friends is Proverbs 26:18-19 which says, “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I am only joking!"

Deceiving someone for the purpose of a laugh is an act of conformity to the character of Satan.

The madman described in the verse above is described as throwing “firebrands, arrows, and death” and this person also “deceives.” Do you know who else is described as throwing “flaming darts” and being a deceiver? That's right, Satan.

Ephesians 6:16 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”


John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in 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.”


Revelation 12:9 “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”


Proverbs 8:35-36 “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”


If I engage in deceiving someone, I am putting on the character of Satan instead of putting on the character of Christ.


We are commanded in scripture to put on our new self (Ephesians 4:20-24). I am not saying that we cannot joke around with friends and have a laugh. I am saying there are ways to joke around without deceiving someone. We should be careful about getting used to deceiving people for the purpose of a laugh because will become comfortable with embodying a characteristic of Satan. Let us be faithful ambassadors of the character of Christ, and may we continue to search the scriptures and remain faithful.

1 comment:

  1. Ben,

    Laughter is one of the greatest gifts given to us by God. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the cruelest weapons to hurt people with. Finding a balance is the key. If the " joking around is INTENDED to hurt someone, then it's not joking at all. Occasionally good INTENDED jokes go to far and someone gets hurt. Also some individuals are more sensitive to others opinions of them. I personally don't care what the "jury of public opinion" is, but the love and respect of those that I have love and respect for matters a great deal. My personality type is one that tries to keep people light hearted and smiling. I am sure that on occasion my sense of humor carries jokes to far ( or so I've been told ). By no means would my humorous antics EVER be aimed at hurting anyone. This is a good exercise. I hope you complete it with a SMILE on your face. :-)

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