Rumour has it, that the devil of the underworld is on a rampage. Apparently, it’s not the stereotypical beast that we’ve been warned about–you know, the red one that’s often imagined as holding a bident amidst the fires of hell. By some accounts, the beast is more devious and elusive than we may have believed. It lurks where we may least expect to find it.
No matter how detailed, all descriptions of the devil are useless. They can never be accurate. Just when we think we have captured its likeness, the devil–as though made of flowing mercury–is able to pour itself into a different shape and behaviour. Its hatred then seems to become love; its pride, then humility; its greed, then generosity; its deception, then honesty. Without hint of remorse, it’s capable of appearing angelic, after having performed the most horrendous crime. A recent “Look Out, Beware Bulletin,” listed below, may be of service to help us avoid the devil’s touch:
- It proclaims itself separate and autonomous of the one-and-only Power.
- Its nature is primarily greedy; its motives, self centered in varying degree.
- It loves to boast without appearing boastful.
- It prefers judgment over discernment.
- Its nature is rooted in comparison to all apparent others. It competes to win, not for joy.
- It haunts the past and the future, and shuns the ever-present NOW.
- Its moods are subject to swings between good and bad.
- It wouldn’t be caught dead reading David R. Hawkins’ Scale of Consciousness.
Throughout the centuries, the devil has been referred to by various names, including (but not limited to) the following: Satan, Prince of Darkness, Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Mephistopheles. Such terms actually refer to a lower level of consciousness, which periodically presents itself in lesser or greater degrees. My personal devil is known as “Art.” What name does your devil go by? Collectively (when we assume the body-mind to be our actual identity), we are the devil mentioned above. In Oneness, as Consciousness Itself, we are spared the negative consequences related to egoic identity.
Dare to Dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡
Think2wice 
Ohhh…so many good things here…but this, especially speaks to me: “It prefers judgment over discernment”. That’s an excellent reminder to me to curb that inner judge, jury, know-it-all that I can be if I’m left unchecked. Discernment. Such a great, nuanced way of looking at our natural tendencies to sort, sift, categorize, rate and rank stuff. Thanks! 😊
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Hi Victoria,
I’m so glad that you liked my post! Thank you for taking the time to share some thoughts about it!
Wishing you a wonderful day, and I hope that you and your husband are over your colds!
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Thanks much – my pleasure to read! And…other than a little congestion hanging on, we’re feeling fine. So kind of you to ask. Hope you have a terrific day! Big smiles! 😊
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Glad to hear you’re feeling at least a little better each day! Big smiles back! 🙂
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Amazing stuff, Art. The book I am working on touches upon several of the themes you touched upon, which made your work all the more intriguing for me. One thing I’d like to point out is the comment about competition and comparison: both effectively divide people. This returns us back to your first point, that the devil “proclaims itself separate and autonomous of the one-and-only Power.” In our book we talk about-without giving away too much-how one of the biggest problems the early Hebrews had with their farming neighbors was their pantheon, which divided Creation up a zillion ways. Rain god, sun god, wine god, mid-afternoon shower god, war god, Pokemon god, etc etc. The origins of the devil may be found in this division.
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That’s great to hear about your book! I agree, Jack, comparison and competition divide us (at least apparently) from “That” which we truly are, an expression of the One.
The ego, which the majority of Beings actually believe they are, is represented so well in the account of the prodigal son…wasting his true Gift.
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Which is why the proto-Hebrews were so repulsed with their neighbors, specifically Nimrod, the world’s first tyrant. Dividing Nature/God/Creation is ingratitude, unappreciative, and highlights ignorance. Worse-such behavior is dangerous, as the last 5,000 years of history have shown.
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I agree, Jack!
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