A Murderer and a Liar

Imagine being offered a deal that seems too good to be true. Upon investigation, you discover that the person making the offer is a convicted murderer and a habitual liar. You would back away, realizing the deal is too good to be true and the person offering it cannot be trusted. Never do business with someone who is a proven murderer and liar, especially when you could be their next target.
In John 8:44, Jesus reveals what Satan, our tempter and accuser, is really like. “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.”
Satan not only murders and lies, but his character is defined by lies. He once knew the truth, but he departed from it. All the evil we see in the world today comes from his deception. Satan has targeted the human race, and through his schemes, the world has fallen into ruin. All the conflict, sin, evil, and wickedness we see come from Satan's heart. Sin and evil originate from the one who tempts you. His agenda is the same: to corrupt and destroy you with an empty promise and a smile. He wants you to trade your birthright for some temporary pleasure (Genesis 25:34).
There is no one more evil than the devil. There is no one less trustworthy than him. Since his rebellion, he has always tried to recruit others to defy God and ultimately harm our souls.
Scripture says we are not ignorant of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). We know his strategy. We understand that he makes promises he can't keep. He promises happiness but delivers misery, sorrow, and death. Sin brings temporary pleasure, but the price is always more than what we bargained.
I'm surprised at how easily we trust Satan when he presents a tempting offer that seems appealing. Satan offers what seem like great deals, and it's often tempting to accept them. But we should know better. We don't make deals with anybody else with his character. Why do we keep making deals with someone bent on our destruction?
This past week, I was saddened to hear that a friend believed Satan's lies and is now suffering the consequences of his poor choices. It's devastating to see the damage caused by his actions. All around us, we see carnage as a direct result of the lies of the evil one.
When faced with temptation, it's crucial to remember its source. Never accept a deal from someone whose agenda is your destruction. Never trust a murderer and a liar. Never become business partners with him.
Remember who the devil is. We need the Spirit's help to resist temptations, but it's helpful to remember the true nature of the one presenting those schemes as good deals.