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A Child Who Likes to Insult the Devil?

Question:

How to handle a kid wanting to insult Satan?

Answer:

Opposing the devil and his ways is fundamental to the Christian life. Yet I would tell your child that God does not want him to be preoccupied with the devil. In one sense, as mere human beings, we need to be sober and not open ourselves up to the devil, who is a powerful fallen angel. It is not our job to seek out the devil but to resist him and his activities, and we do so by staying close to the Lord (James 4:7; see 1 Peter 5:8-9).

When we are centered in Jesus Christ, we need not be intimidated by the devil, for Christ has conquered him. On the other hand, we shouldn’t let ourselves become unduly focused on the devil, which could occur if someone makes insulting him a regular part of their lives.

St. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians is useful here:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you (Phil. 4:4-9).

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