Fictional, But True (November 2011)

The Spirit of God in us makes rejecting sin possible. But Satan lies to us about who we are and where our value lies. I was granted a rare phone interview that I’d like to share with you below. I think it covers the issue of rejecting sin daily better than I could, so I transcribed the recording:

David: I’m so glad to have you both on the line–And… it’s recording. So, this is so cool! I-

Lucifer: You have a really nasally voice. Anyone ever tell ya that? Was it hard as a kid?

David: Uh, yeah, they did. But I’m okay with it because God made –

Lucifer: I’d be embarrassed, seriously. It’s weird. Not trying to be rude–I’m just saying.

Jesus: C’mon, Lucy, stop cutting him off. I’ve made him perfectly.

Lucifer: Jesus! Stop calling me that–You’re not as nice as people think you are.

Jesus: (laughing)

David: Okaaay, so I actually did want to talk about something today. Jesus, you beat sin and death on the cross… and so now we’re free from sin… but why do we still sin?

Lucifer: Nosetalker, Noseta–!… um, no He didn’t… uh, nu-uh, still guilty… because Jesus died for better people, not you. You missed the boat, Sally.

Jesus: Well, David, I’ve already won the victory, as you said, so death’s sting is gone for you because your sin won’t end in real death…

David: Which is not just the eternal consequence of punishing sin but separation from You forever…

Jesus: Right, right. But you’re still on earth and it’s hard to live with a Kingdom of God mindset when the kingdoms of this earth, as foolish as they are, are more visible.

Lucifer: Please! Foolish? I give’em what they want. You take. So much for good gifts, huh?

David: Right, so, so you told us we’d have trouble, but you also called us to be perfect like God. How can we do that if sin is such a part of us? I mean I get the Holy Spirit, but –

Jesus: That’s right, you get the Holy Spirit. So by putting my covering on yourself, and with His guidance, you have all you need to resist the devil. Resist him and he’ll flee from you.
Lucifer: (snorts)

David: But you quoted scripture to get him to back off. So don’t we need the word too?
Lucifer: I know the Bible, too, you know.

Jesus: I am the word, David, so yes. You have to get to know me to be successful against sin–all of me, not just the parts of me you already agree with.

David: Dang, I walked right into that one, and I even tell my youth that all the time!

Jesus: It’s simple, really. The plan. But it’s not easy. And no one’s perfect, except me…

Lucifer: Whoa, I’ll take arrogance for $1000, please, Alex.

Jesus: … so you need the Spirit to remind you who you are in me. Lies are powerful, but the Spirit reminds you of my words. He’ll daily empower you to reject sin, if you let Him.

Lucifer: Are you guys ignoring me? That’s rude.

David: Oh, that reminds me of a verse. You provide ways out of temptation and won’t tempt us more than we can bear. And you want us to be conformed to the image of… well, You.

Jesus: Yes, I remember saying that… It’s because I love you. And I want the best for you.
David: I know, Jesus. I just need to remind myself sometimes–

Lucifer: No, he doesn’t! You’re a fat, selfish, egotistical idiot who doesn’t deserve the –

David: Uh, I think we lost Lucifer. Hello?

Jesus: We did. He, and sin, can’t stand up to the truth, much less love. Because I am.