DAILY DEVOTION, June 29, 2022, We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).   John divides the world into two parts. Some are God’s children, and the rest of the world lies under the power of Satan.  John would not be considered politically correct with this statement today. Many would dismiss him as simplistic and narrow-minded.  He seems to say that all those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus are under Satan’s power. This means that Moslems, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists – – – indeed all persons, whatever their religion or worldview, are under the thumb of the Evil One.  Isn’t that a narrow way to look at life? Yes, it is. The more important question is this: is it true? If you believe, as I do, that John is an inspired Apostle, you will agree that he has an accurate understanding of our world.   When I look at our world I have no problem believing John. We live in a world where the evil one has great power. Thus, the very things I might expect to find in nature and in our physical, emotional, and spiritual life, based on John’s words, are precisely what I do find. The Bible speaks clearly and repeatedly about how sin has damaged our world.  It should not surprise us when we experience the consequences of living in a fallen world among fallen people. John warns us: “the whole world lies under the power of the evil one.”     What kind of world do we live in? It is a world deeply affected by both sin and grace.  We live in a world described accurately in the Bible. What on earth is wrong with our world? The evil one reigns in the hearts of the unredeemed. What is right with our world? God’s grace is present in the world in the hearts of those who believe in His Son. In brief, there are two teams operating in the world. One is God’s team, the other team is under the influence of the Evil One. Make sure you are on the right team.   Father, I thank you for calling me out of the darkness and into the light. I thank You that in Christ I have the power to overcome the Evil One. Please hold me tightly by Your side lest I drift into the kingdom of Satan. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.