My brother-in-law and I have this ongoing discussion on whether or not Bucky, from the Captain American movies, was responsible for his actions. In the movie, Bucky was genetically modified and brain-washed to be an assassin.

I thought about my brother-in-law’s and my conversation this morning as I read the story of Judas. The Bible says Satan entered Judas before he betrayed Jesus. Was Judas brainwashed by Satan? Genetically modified? Was he responsible for his actions?

Yes, Satan can brainwash us but only with our cooperation. It starts when we believe a lie. Judas began by stealing from the offering. He believed the lie his needs could only be met through theft. Then he was offended by Mary’s extravagant gift. Offense happens when we believe Satan’s lies and believe the worse about someone. Satan entered only because Judas opened the door.

Judas was spiritually modified by Satan. He believed the lies; he received the offense and he allowed hatred, jealousy, greed to fester in his heart. When we believe the lies of the enemy, we empower his work in our lives. All of this happened with our consent.

But here is the good news. At any moment we have the power to break free. The Holy Spirit is alive and well within you. He is reminding you of truth. But you must choose whose voice will you believe?

Will you believe
You are loved?
You have every spiritual gift?
You are forgiven and blameless in God’s eyes?
God is for you and no one can stand against you?
He will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory?
You are accepted?
You are conjoined with Christ and are seated in heavenly places?
You are healed?
You are never forsaken?
Will you believe truth today?

You may have believed a lie and invited Satan in, but you have the authority to evict his sorry butt at any moment. Believe truth. Declare truth. Recognize his lies and denounce them. See yourself as God sees you – Holy, blameless, righteous, loved, accepted. You are no one’s victim.

“Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬