In 1965, a well-known American radio commentator named Paul Harvey broadcast a warning to his audience in the form of a message titled “If I were the devil.” If your sole purpose was to keep mankind in spiritual darkness, how would you go about it? Paul Harvey’s thoughts line up with the direction we have seen our society heading in at an incredible pace.
The Bible shows us the character of the devil.
John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
We see that the devil is a murderer and a liar, and that he always has been. We also see from this text that the people Jesus is speaking to are “of” the devil or have his same mission and purpose—working to carry out his agenda. The devil carries out his plan through willing people. The course of our society is set by the countless thousands that fail to heed the warning. What will you do? Read on to see just what was predicted by Paul Harvey.
“If I were the devil … If I were the Prince of Darkness, I’d want to engulf the whole world in darkness. And I’d have a third of its real estate, and four-fifths of its population, but I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree — Thee. So, I’d set about, however, necessary to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first — I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you please.’
To the young, I would whisper that ‘The Bible is a myth.’ I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what’s bad is good, and what’s good is ‘square.’ And the old, I would teach to pray, after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington…’
And then I’d get organized. I’d educate authors on how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. I’d pedal narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.
If I were the devil, I’d soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings, I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames. If I were the devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions — just let those run wild, until before you knew it, you’d have to have drug-sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.
Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing, I’d have judges promoting pornography — soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. And in His churches, I would substitute psychology for religion, and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls, and church money. If I were the devil, I’d make the symbols of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.
If I were the devil, I’d take from those who have, and give to those who want until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.
And what do you bet I could get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich? I would caution against extremes and hard work in Patriotism, and moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, and that what you see on the TV is the way to be. And thus, I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. In other words, if I were the devil, I’d just keep right on doing what he’s doing.”
– Paul Harvey, “Good Day!”
The accuracy of this message is chilling. It is exactly what we see taking place not only in America but all around the world. The devil’s plan isn’t only for America but for the whole world. With evil all around in such a physical way, it is easy to forget that the true warfare is spiritual.
Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
The government, education systems, technology, Hollywood and other similar powerful institutions are high places of spiritual wickedness. Those who are “of” the devil are working his agenda using these and other platforms as a way to further entangle people in spiritual darkness.
The first chapter of Romans explains how and why many people reach the depth of spiritual darkness that Paul Harvey alluded to. The Word of God also tells us that God has personally reached out to all with an offer of salvation.
Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men”
But what happens when we reject God repeatedly?
Romans 1:21 - 22 “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools”
The first chapter in Romans provides insight similar to Paul Harvey’s into what we see happening throughout our world today, and the Bible is very clear about what happens when a nation turns away from God.
Psalm 9:17 “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
So, the question one may ask is, “Can America be saved?” The answer is yes, but only if she is willing to do what God commands.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
This is the type of turnaround that America needs. This change begins with following Christ, and that requires a divine change in men’s hearts and lives.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
This is done by forsaking all forms of sinful habits, sinful desires, and sinful imaginations, and then you will receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13). However, if you continue living with sin in your life, you will find that you are always trying to do better but can never do it. Many people continue to believe the lie that it is not possible to live a holy life (without sin) until they reach Heaven. This is a lie the enemy tells us, but the Word of God says that is the very reason Jesus came.
Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Jesus came to make a way for us to live our lives free from sin. The devil’s mission is to convince mankind that we have to live in sin because he doesn’t want us to make it to Heaven. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be this way—Jesus can set you free!
Dear friend, have you experienced this divine change in your own life? If you would like to learn more about how to stop sinning so you too can experience the wonderful benefits of living holy, please contact us; we’d love to hear from you!