The devil subtly manipulates our carnal minds to lust for things we want but do not need. Thus, scripture implores us to: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Declaring we trust in the Lord is easy, but the reality is most of us rely more upon our "own understanding." That is, we assess situations by our feelings and perceptions more so than God's principles.

God desires that we overcome our fallen human nature that is prone to sin and wickedness. He provides a blueprint that, if followed, results in righteousness leading to eternal life. By contrast, the devil (or adversary) counterfeits God's perfect plan by offering religion that looks authentic but caters to our complacent comprehension and our appetite for self-indulgence.