Casting Out Evil, Part 5: The Tactics Satan Uses to Torment You

“We live in a wicked world. Never in our memory have the forces of evil been arrayed in such deadly formation. The devil is well organized. Never in our day has he had so many emissaries working for him.” (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, “Satan’s Thrust: Youth,” Ensign, Dec, 1971). (Pres. Benson made those remarks 48 years ago. I can only imagine what he’d say now). Among church members, there is a predominant tradition which says we shouldn’t know about Satan and how he attacks us. That ignorance is bliss. Ignore Satan, and he’ll go away. Joseph Smith said it’s a “great evil” to be ignorant of the nature of evil spirits -- their power, government, intelligence, the laws by which they are governed and the signs by which they may be known. In fact, without that knowledge, Joseph said, you invite darkness, suspense and doubt, experience spiritual captivity (Isaiah 5:13, 2 Nephi 15:13) and thus, evil spirits will have greater power over you. It’s no wonder that Ezra Taft Benson said that because Satan knows where and how to strike you, “A study of Satan’s methods can alert us to his seductions.” So, I extend to you three invitations: 1. If you’d rather remain ignorant of Satan’s ways, then feel free to keep napping, or 2. If you’re interested in leaving behind your ignorance of Satan, studying his methods and being alerted to his seductions, keep reading, or 3. If you’re interested in looking beyond your own needs, and seeking ways to help others avoid spiritual darkness and captivity, then comment on this post below. Add more knowledge and more testimony to it. Make this post stronger.