Back in the early 70”s, Flip Wilson became a famous comedian and entertainer when he coined the phrase, “The Devil Made Me Do It.”  It all started when his wife (in the show) bought a new dress and she was called out.  She said, “The devil made me buy that dress.”  It caught on quickly and even if you never watched the show, you were familiar with the phrase.  Everyone was using it as an excuse for whatever it was they felt they shouldn’t have done.  But, it is true – Right?  Don’t we all want to blame someone else for our mistakes?  I know I do!  When I have done something I wish I could take back, I always try to justify it in my mind as to why I did what I did.  But, in all honesty, sometimes the best recourse is to own up to your mistake.

In 2 Samuel 13:1-19, the devil was present – no doubt about it.  David’s son was in love with his own sister.  The thought of having sex with her possessed his thoughts, even though he knew that everything about the idea was wrong.  His name is Amnon.  Amnon devised a whole scheme to get his sister, Tamar into bed with him.  When it didn’t work, he raped her – “He forced her and lay with her” (v.14).

The devil didn’t “make” him do it – but the devil sure did convince him to do it.  The devil is a very strong force that corrodes our thoughts and mind.  Our love for Christ Jesus has to be stronger than the devil’s works.  And, there is only way to do that – to know your Lord and be in a deep and loving relationship with Him.

Only “You” are responsible for your actions  and are held accountable for what you do to others– not the devil!  But, what is in your heart is what will be revealed to the rest of the world.  Will it be love or hate?

Let us pray…Gracious God, open our hearts to God’s love and let it be what is revealed to the rest of the world.  Let our actions, the way that we behave, and the words that we say belong to you. We love you so much. Amen.