Outwitting The Devil

Outwitting The Devil

I’m reading “Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill.

I don’t recommend it for everyone.

It’s a bit unnerving, and theologian types may have trouble with it.

It’s written about a conversation the author has with the Devil.

I’m just getting into the actual interview.

Hill authored many books on success.

This one was not published until after his death.

He knew it would be controversial.

In the book, the Devil explains how he captures the attention of the “Earthbound”, that’s you and me.

When asked to tell about his tactics, the Devil says the following:

“One of my cleverest devices for mind control is fear.

I plant the seed of fear in the minds of people, and as these seeds germinate and grow, through use, I control the space they occupy.”

According to the Devil in the story, the six most effective fears are fear of poverty,  fear of criticism, fear of ill health, fear of loss of love, fear of old age, and fear of death.

My mind jumps to the headlines we see sparking unrest in our world today.

Each germinates out of one or more of these fears.

COVID was a mastermind attempt at wrapping all these fears into one event, and it worked for so many.

What if the unrest we see right now is the direct result of that episode?

Our friends and neighbors were paralysed by fear, and as more and more is added, the acceptance of lies and manipulation takes hold.

In the book, the Devil says he occupys 98% of the minds on earth.

He tells the author he controls the negative powers on earth, while his opponent (God) controls the positive.

The negative being: hate, fear, vanity, avarice, greed, revenge, superstition, and lust.

The positives, controlled by God, are love, faith, hope, and optimism.

So far, what the book has not brought out is the control we have to choose one or the other.

I think it’s helpful to see the traits, as they show up in our fellow humans and ourselves, administered by the enemy of our souls.

When we see the negative traits showing up in our lives, we go back to the basics and understand that fear is a choice.

We don’t have to let the seed germinate; we can starve it and keep it away from the sunlight and water.

For me, it all leads back to the power of our creator.

We either partner with Him or we fall under the spell of evil.

This explains why so much hypocrisy is allowed to flourish.

Why do those who lie get so wrapped up in the false narrative that they can’t see straight?

I’m reminded of a verse in the Bible that calms me in those times when I inadvertently fertilize the seeds of doubt.

Fear not, because fear brings on more evil.

More to come.