By Adedeji Michael
The Devil? Oh, really? I often wonder when that propaganda truly began — perhaps when humans first wrote the Old Testament. At this point, it is no longer merely propaganda; it has become a defensive and manipulative narrative, the kind that allows people to avoid accountability.
He asked, “Adam, where art thou?” And Adam replied, “I was naked.” Then came the familiar deflection: “The woman you gave me made me do it.” The blame was shifted instantly — first to the woman, and indirectly to God Himself. From the very beginning, responsibility was avoided.
It has always struck me as deeply confusing how people invoke this supposedly gentle Devil to shoulder the blame for their actions and inactions. And I find myself asking: who exactly is he? What is it? Is it even a “he”? Where does he — or she, or it, or they — live? These are the questions that linger in my mind, because I have never quite understood why an innocent character is constantly summoned to carry the weight of human wrongdoing.
If we think about this more carefully, it becomes evident that the one we have always accused never truly played any role in our misconduct. By extension, it may even be safe to say that he does not exist — at least, not in the way people imagine. Who held your hand and led you to the place where you chose to steal? Who helped you carefully construct the lies you told when nothing was required but the truth? The Devil? Oh, really? I highly doubt that.
This Devil we so readily call upon exists only in our minds. It is a concept created by the spontaneous stream of our overt consciousness. It is nothing more than a fragment of our weaknesses, a piece of our unspoken vulnerability. We say “the Devil,” but in truth, it is our own minds seeking comfort — desperately trying to deny what is already known. What if there is no Devil at all? After all, he never actively assisted you in committing these offences. Even according to the stories told about him, he merely tempts.
You attempt to hide your face. You attempt to cover your shame. You try to protect your name — and then you call upon the Devil: “It is the work of the Devil.” You do so because you believe he has no voice with which to defend himself, no presence to refute the accusations placed upon him.
Today, I stand in his stead — as an advocate would. And I say this to you, men: own up to your mistakes. Stand firmly by your faults. Admit your wrongdoings and boldly carry the consequences of your negative actions. Only then can you be whole. Only then can you be fulfilled.
Today, I urge you: do not allow your wrongs to be suffered by an innocent tale. Courage lies in the absolute freedom to accept responsibility. What if the Devil was never the cause? Once again, I ask: what if the Devil does not exist?
What if this Devil is nothing more than your fears, your limits, and your flaws? What if you are the Devil? What if I am the Devil?