For a lot of people, the devil seems to be a taboo topic. But world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham says people should not be afraid to talk about the devil because he continues to be a threat that must be defeated.

Graham writes on his Kansas City Star advice column that the topic of the devil should not just be a "passing fad" because "Satan is real, and he is just as much at work today as he was a few decades ago."

Graham quotes the Bible verse 1 Peter 5:8, which describes the devil as a terrible force who "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

However, the evangelist says people should not make the devil the sole focus of their attention, because only Jesus Christ deserves that honour. But they should still be constantly on alert for his schemes and attacks.

"Satan's primary goal is to block God's plans in every way he possibly can. Sometimes his attacks are very open and obvious, but often he works in hidden and subtle ways, seeking to deceive people and turn them away from Christ," he says.

At the same time, Graham says one of the most successful lies the devil has convinced many people to believe is that he does not exist. This is a very dangerous lie to believe, warns Graham. If people think the devil does not exist, then they won't be on guard against him. On the other hand, people who are aware of his existence are constantly on guard for his attacks.

"He'll do everything he can to keep you from Christ and his will for your life," says Graham, so "make sure you are committed to Jesus Christ. Then walk with him every day by reading the Bible, praying, and learning from other believers."