God bet the Devil he could not sway his most devoted subjects.
They played this game quite often, in different incarnations in history. It’s not a competition because, spoiler alert, no one wins in the end. One could argue the Devil gains souls and God won fear over man. But when tempted by Mephistopheles, Faust threw caution to the wind for his earthly desires.
“Oh shit he’s back, look busy.”
Mephistopheles did warn Faust of what he was getting into when he agreed, while God sat back waiting for the doctor’s repentance. Becoming younger, falling in love, being content, it all came and went. Faust still tried to save himself from the consequences, trekking through Hell, without balking the Devil’s path. Even with his commitment issues, premarital pregnancy, girlfriend’s suicide, and loss of his eternal soul.
You know the party don’t start ‘til I walk in.
How could God have possibly considered him; who without hesitation sold his heaven bound soul for a life of perfection and fulfillment, as his most respected soldier? Would the God-fearing man still sell his soul for a menial comfort? Of course he would.
Deep down a man is still his desires, God does not serve him.
The Devil is the Lord’s Knight, man is his pawn and jester.