Have you ever heard that angels were not created with their own will?  That man is the only one of God's creation that was given free will?  In thinking back, I believe I was probably raised on that teaching.  I must admit that I have not studied it out as much as I should, but something keeps coming to mind.

If Satan wanted to be above God, and he was able to influence other angels to agree with him, would that not imply that he and the others had the ability to make their own choices?

You're probably wondering why I'm writing on this, but I believe there's an important message to be learned here.  So, for now, let's assume that the devil did have free will and God gave him and the other angels the "right" to make choices.

It seems to me that Satan basically did three things:
1.  He challenged God's authority
2.  He questioned God's power
3.  He contested God's love, compassion, and mercy.

How dare he!  Whom did he think he was anyway?  That he was capable of doing such things - yet alone even think of them!

Well, ah...hmmm....well, uh....oh, okay.  Did any of these sound just a little too familiar to anyone else?

Have I ever challenged God's authority?  Unfortunately, yes.  Any time I have thought that I knew the situation and needs better than He did.

Have I ever questioned God's power?  Again, yes.  Any time I have gone ahead in my own efforts rather than waiting for His timing.  Any time I have doubted if His Word will work for me.

Have I every contested God's love, compassion and mercy?  Sadly, yes.  Any time I have thought that it was just a "little" thing.  Surely God understands.  Surely He wouldn't count that as sin against me.

One-third of the angels fell with Lucifer.  How many, weaker than I, have I led astray - without even realizing it?

Satan believed that God's love was His weakness.  He and many, many others - even Christians.  "God's a good God.  He loves us.  He wouldn't send anyone to hell."

Now, if I have the capability of thinking and doing the same as Satan, and Satan has been condemned and sentenced to an eternity of punishment, what makes me think I can do those same things and not reap a consequence?

I am in no way implying that we should be sympathetic to Satan.  Hs is a liar and a thief whose only reason to exist is to bring about destruction.  He wants to kill you and me.  He should never be taken lightly.

I'm just saying that it's so easy to find the speck in everyone else's eye, when I have a board in my own.  It's not about whether angels do or do not have free will, but it is about how I can be so quick to look at other's faults, when I have done some of the same things.  Isn't it amazing that when someone else does something, it's wrong?  But when I do the same thing, I can justify and come up with all sorts of reasons as to how I am different that the others, and that it doesn't count when I do it?

(This teaching could leave a mark!)

"Father, forgive me for putting myself over you.  Help me to always trust You.  Help me to inspect the "boards" in my own life, instead of checking out others for their "specks."  There is such a fine line between right and wrong.  'But for the grace of God, there go I.'   May I not judge others, but see them through Your eyes - with love and compassion and mercy - just as You look at me.  And may the only motive and goal of my love be to reveal You to them."