Spiritual Vigilance in the Face of the Devil’s Influence
Mentions of the Devil can evoke fear in believers for several reasons. Firstly, it conjures up an image of absolute evil in their minds—an evil capable of enslaving a person and inciting them to commit crimes against the Church. As noted in one source, the Devil is depicted as a force that "enslaves more and more apostates and sinners and pushes them toward various abominations and crimes. He directs them against the Church...". This description underscores the idea that the Devil's influence restructures a person's life, causing them to slide into the lowest forms of behavior, thereby provoking anxiety among believers regarding their spiritual safety (source: link txt).Secondly, the mention of this ominous force is linked to the belief that the very nature of the fall intensifies the power of evil. This leads many believers to experience a deep fear for their salvation, worried that their former protectors might turn into accusers if they sin. As stated in the following excerpt: "But the very nature of the fall and the apostasy of people distinctly bestows upon him power. ... And that is why many of the believers came to confession after being exposed by demons: they are very afraid that their previous protectors have become their accusers rather than their helpers." This understanding turns the mention of the Devil into a signal for the continuous need for spiritual self-control and constant turning to God for help in order not to lose one’s inner purity (source: link txt).Thus, the fear that arises upon mentioning the Devil is connected not only to the notion of external evil capable of acting through people, but also to an internal sense of vulnerability to this evil. This fear motivates believers to engage in regular spiritual struggle, self-criticism, and the pursuit of salvation, so as not to succumb to temptations and the evil symbolized by the image of the Devil.Supporting citation(s):"The apostates and sinners are increasingly enslaved by the Devil, who pushes them toward all kinds of abominations and crimes. He directs them against the Church and, with their help, perpetrates violence and instigates wars in the world. The main task of the author of the Apocalypse is to show how evil forces operate, who organizes and directs them in their fight against the Church; to instruct and strengthen believers in their fidelity to Christ; to show the complete defeat of the Devil and his minions and the beginning of heavenly bliss." (source: link txt)"But the very nature of the fall and the apostasy of people clearly bestows upon him power. God Himself confirms our salvation through deeds; the Greatest Promise was given by the Savior Himself in the Law. And that is why many of the believers came to confession after being exposed by demons: they are very afraid that their former protectors have turned into their accusers rather than their helpers." (source: link txt)