Is the Devil just an imaginary character in a Halloween costume?

VERSE:

1 Peter 5:8-9

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

LESSON:

In this verse, we are told that because of the Devil we must "...Be self-controlled and alert...". Why would we need to do that for an "imaginary character"? No, this verse is "serious as a heart attack". Each Christian must be prepared to face the adversity of the attacks from the Devil in our everyday lives. This verse tells us that the Devil "...prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour...". You may never see a guy in a red costume with a pointy tail and pitchfork...but you will surely face many challenges of Good/Evil...each and every day of your life. This verse encourages us to "...Resist him, standing firm in the faith...". How do you do that? Well, Prayer, Bible Reading and study with a group, going to Church as well as listening to Godly music may help. Each of us are different, and each of us receive Christian encouragement and strength in different ways. Learn to know what Christian encouragement you need the most...and seek it out, if you feel challenged by Good versus Evil questions in your life.