Does The Devil Put Evil Thoughts in Our Minds?

A: One of the Bible’s greatest truths is that God knows all about us — including even the bad things that are going through our minds. And yet He still loves us, and wants us to cleanse us and make us part of His family forever! The Bible says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Yes, ultimately Satan is responsible for all the evil in the world — even the evil thoughts that go through our minds. He is absolutely opposed to God, and will do everything he can to tempt us and turn us away from Him. At times, therefore, Satan may be able to put evil thoughts directly into our minds. For example, when Judas turned against Jesus and secretly betrayed Him to His enemies, the Bible says that “Satan entered Judas” (Luke 22:3).

But Judas alone was responsible for what he did; he could not blame Satan for his actions. Driven by greed, he willingly accepted the money he was offered to reveal where Jesus could be found. In other words, Satan only took advantage of his sinful desires. The Bible warns that “each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed” (James 1:14).

Don’t give in to Satan’s temptations, and don’t be content to let your mind wander in places it shouldn’t. Instead, turn to Jesus Christ and commit your life to Him. Then ask Him to fill your mind with His love and peace and righteousness. The Bible says “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

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(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)