Sympathy for the devil?
In the 1968 Rolling Stones song, Jagger (singing first-person as Lucifer) ask that “If you meet me, have some courtesy, have some sympathy, and some taste; use all your well-learned politesse, or I’ll lay your soul to waste.”. While the song does not claim to be theologically correct, there are some truths we should recognize. The song seems to imply that Satan simply works the greatest sorrow in the places that we allow him; and in Ephesians 4:27, we are told not to give the devil an opening. Why? James 1:14-15 tells us that sin is born out of our own desires, and we are drawn into traps by our lust; and when we fail to bring every thought under the subjection of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5), we are opening the door for Lucifer.
The devil and his demons are evil; but they receive way too much credit for our behavior. When we fail to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), we are really quenching God’s grace (1 Thessalonians 5:19); and we must simply acknowledge our desire to sin and deal with it properly before God (1 John 1:6-10).
Does the devil need my sympathy? No; but he doesn’t need my help either!
As you go forward in your day, remember to walk wisely; for we, as Christians, have a divine purpose to fulfill (Ephesians 5:15-17).
May God bless YOU greatly!
Pastor Mike