Is the evil thoughts in our minds, Satan himself, pride, something else?
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
The Devil. He is a liar & a murderer.
Next to Satan the greatest Adversary of Mankind is human nature which comes with the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of possessions, a bondage to sin where one cannot do what he wants to do and does what he does not will to do.
I think Jesus said it best in Mark: And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
(Mar 7:20-23 KJV)
Does the enemy of our soul beat us down about all these things? Yes he does! We sometimes fail to realize as Christians, Jesus has a small portion of our heart. We must die daily (1 Cor 15:31) to these things in our heart that are not like Him.
As John said, " He must increase, I must decrease" (John 3:30)
This is how we grow in the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Eph 4:13,15)
"To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, all I ask is to be like Him. All through life's journey from earth to glory, all I ask is to be like Him." --- old song from church
"Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true. Change my heart, Oh God, I want to be like You. For You are the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me, this is what I pray." --- newer song from church
Be Blessed
Lena