Satan’s New Scheme

Satan was dissatisfied with using the same old ploys to deceive people. His methods were working in several areas, but the numbers were struggling in the most powerful country in the world. So one hot morning, he called together all of his demons for a brainstorming session. He told them of his dissatisfaction. ”We can do worse…we need a new approach”.
All the demons sat looking at each other wondering what was going on with the boss. They had been causing destruction and breaking up families. They had introduced abuse, addictions and division to millions, what more could he want?
“We have done a good job with hurting people, but I feel like more damage must be done”.
One demon said “why don’t we start a rumor that Jesus never existed? That will get His followers to walk away.”
Several demons got excited with a new turn for an old lie, but they soon realized there was too much evidence and it wouldn’t work.
Another demon jumped up.
“I’VE GOT IT! Let’s tell them that if they follow Jesus they will surely be persecuted and die? They’ll be scared and surely turn away.”
A few of the demons liked the idea, but Satan reminded them that every time Christians have faced persecution the church has grown, but with that comment, Satan got a sly grin on his face.
“That give me an idea…I think I have the answer. Punishing those who follow Christ has always backfired…so let’s pull back on all the tormenting and no longer cause them pain. Let’s tell them that following Jesus is easy. Let’s distract them from the truth. Let’s get them to believe that if they go to church, sing some songs and attend a life group, their lives will be better. Let’s give them exactly what they want…A god that gives them everything they want.”
The demons looked confused. One of them said “But unholy lord, won’t everyone want to follow that Jesus…won’t we lose a bunch of our followers?”
Satan stood from his fiery throne and said “YES…yes we will. They will all want to follow a god whose main concern is their comfort and security. They will all serve a god who will make them all happy. This lie will have the following results.”
“First, they will no longer use their money to cloth the naked and feed the hungry. They will spend their money on air conditioning, sound systems and coffee. They will develop elaborate youth programs that teach their kids that the best part of being a “Christian” is the fun you can have”.
“Second, they will no longer visit the sick or those in prison. Instead, we will tell them that Bible studies, special events and life-groups are where they need to focus their time. We will get them so distracted with learning about Jesus…they will have no time to go out and BE Jesus”.
“Lastly, a God who wants them happy will cause division. They will divide over anything that makes them unhappy. We’ll get them to reduce God to what they can fit into their tiny little brains and get them to believe they have perfect understanding and are always right. They will fight over their understanding of God, the way that they worship and who they follow. This will REALLY come in handy every few years when they fight over their leaders. One group will talk about serving the poor as they retreat to their comfortable homes in their luxury cars. The other half will fight for morality while they sit in front of their TV’s and take in every sin that we turn into entertainment.”
“NOW GO!!!”
With those instructions, Satan’s team screamed in delight as they rushed out of hell and ascended to the earth…and the victory was won.