The devil’s objective is to harm you. This is in stark contrast to the Lord’s desire to forgive, heal, and offer you eternal life.

This difference is clear in John 10:10. Here Jesus says, “‘The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.’” God wants to give you a chance at a new life whereas the devil would love nothing more than to see you fail.

Jesus re-emphasized what was at risk in the gospel of Luke:

“’Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved’” (Luke 8:11-12, NKJV).

The devil’s intent in taking away the Word is to steal the listener’s opportunity to experience salvation. It kills the spiritual life that might have been, and destroys the victim for eternity. His tactics work against the believer as well. What Satan wants to steal from you is the word of truth, hope, and faith. The very things that God wants to speak into your life. If you will listen to the Word of the Lord and let it take root in your mind and heart, then you will discover that the truth really does set you free.