Lehi warned his sons that the devil is determined to undermine our agency and make us miserable (2 Nephi 2:27). Nephi, in turn, warns us that the devil’s tactics are subtle and insidious; if we aren’t careful, we will fall into his traps (2 Nephi 28:21-23).
Fortunately, we have a powerful example of how to resist the devil’s temptations. After seeing and speaking with God, Moses was “left unto himself” and “fell unto the earth” (Moses 1:9). In this weakened state, he was approached by Satan, who said, “Moses, son of man, worship me” (Moses 1:12). Moses wasn’t fooled by Satan’s attempt to distance him from God. “Who art thou?” he asked, “For behold, I am a son of God” (Moses 1:13). Principle #1: Keep Satan in check by remembering our true identity as children of God.
Moses then requested that Satan leave him alone. “Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not,” he said (Moses 1:16). After affirming his commitment to continue worshipping God, he reiterated his request: “Depart hence, Satan” (Moses 1:18). When Satan responded with angry shouting, Moses refused to be intimidated and commanded him twice more to leave (Moses 1:20-21). Principle #2: Be persistent. Hold your ground, and don’t let repeated temptations wear you down.
As Satan’s attacks became more daunting, Moses recognized that he needed help. “Calling upon God, he received strength,” which helped him endure (Moses 1:20). In his final demand for Satan’s departure, he spoke with divinely delegated authority:
In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan.
Moses 1:21
That was enough. After hearing those words, “Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence” (Moses 1:22). Principle #3: Rely upon the Savior; He has power over the devil.
Sister Tamara W. Runia testified:
Satan is the thief of hope.
And you need to hear this, so I’ll say these words out loud: You are not the voice in your head or the mistakes you have made. You may need to say that out loud too. Tell Satan, “Not today.” Put him behind you.
Feel that pull, the godly sorrow that turns you toward your Savior, and watch His grace enter into your life and the lives of those you love. I promise that the minute we bring a broken heart courageously toward Him, He is immediately there.
“Your Repentance Doesn’t Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy,” April 2025 general conference
Today, I will overcome temptation by remembering my true identity, being persistent, and seeking help from Jesus Christ.
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