MORAL STORIES

THE DEVIL'S DIRECTION

Lucifer convened a convention of devils. The topic of discussion was the modernisation of methodology to move more men away from God and heaven. The chairman invited suggestions from the audience.

One shrewd devil suggested, “Let us tell people that there is no heaven or hell and so they may enjoy life to the full.”

“People will not be convinced; think of better ideas,” ruled Lucifer.

Another devil, shrewder than the first, made a different suggestion: “We will tell them that there is a heaven of happiness, but no hell. Hence they will assume that their salvation is assured. Then they will live as they please and reach hell.”

“But only a few will accept your suggestion,” said Lucifer.

Then the shrewdest of the devils stood up and suggested that they should tell the people, “Both heaven and hell are real, but there is plenty of time to transform your life-style before death. There is no hurry. So you need not worry and can be merry. Death is a distant event!”

Lucifer and all the assembled devils agreed that this was the best direction to draw people to sin. The devils are popularising this proposal now. Postponement or procrastination of transformation is the Devil’s trickiest temptation. Thus ‘tomorrow’ becomes the busiest day in our life as we postpone to tomorrow, many things to be done today.

We read in the Gospel about the reactions of persons when Jesus called them to follow Him. One wanted time to bury his father Another wanted to say good-bye to his family. Jesus condemned procrastination by His words, “Anyone who starts to plough and then keeps looking back is of no use to the kingdom of God” {Luke 9:57-62}.

Jesus taught the ‘Parable of the Great Feast’: Guests were invited to attend a party arranged by a man. When it was time for the feast, he sent his servant to personally invite the guests. But each made an excuse and did not come. The furious man filled his hall with poor, invalid and strange people from all around.He announced in anger, “I tell you all that none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner” {Luke 14: 16-24}.

Jesus advises us not to worry about material things which may delay our response to God. “Instead be concerned above everything else with the kingdom of God and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things” {Matthew 6: 33}.

Cornelius {Acts 10:33} and the jailer {Acts 16:33} responded quickly to God’s call and became successful.

King David sings about his devotion to the Law of the Lord, “Without delay I hurry to obey your command” {Psalms 119: 60}.

“Listen! This is the hour to receive God’s favour; today is the day to be saved!” {2 Corinthians 6: 2}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.

This is Story No. 147 in this site. Please click ‘Older Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in this site. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read stories on that theme.