Today in turmoil

Our world is presently in turmoil as not seen for some decades. In younger years we were encouraged to believe that education, the United Nations, democracy, the advances of science, the use of technology etc would have established an harmonious, peaceful, prosperous world. What has gone wrong? Some blame religion, some blame communism, others blame capitalism. And so the blame game goes on.

Our compass, the Bible, has a different answer. A casual reading of the letter to the Ephesians identifies the source of the problem:  Chapter 2 – the course of this world is following the prince whose characteristic is disobedience to God. (How often does anyone today refer to Satan? The Devil’s smartest ploy is to convince the world he does not exist! Neither the politician nor the preacher seem mention him anymore.) The evil one works through the fleshly passion, unbridled minds displayed in nonsensical anger. Chapter 4 portrays the evidence of dark thinking as lacking understanding, being sensuous, greedy , and impure. The falsehood, deceit, anger, theft, foul mouths etc are  natural to the fallen human nature spurred on by the devil .

The Christian is not only delivered from this snare, but is to confront it as described in chapter 6

Ephesians 6

Verse 11  - indicates our world is in turmoil because of the schemes of the devil. These evil forces are operating at every level, in particular, high end influences. I suggest this is means the area of politics, education, media, finances, religion, social standards. Many of us live as uninfluential members of society, but even in our small corner, we are to be a light in the midst of darkness, soldiers standing for truth..

God has called some to higher places of influence and for them we should pray that they will take their responsibility seriously in combat with the schemes of the devil. One small decision in high places can make such a difference for good or evil in the world in general.  One could quote the impact of decisions made the United Nations organizations, or the worldwide effect of decisions by the pope, or decision in parliaments that can damage  a whole nation. What then is the influence we are having in our small corner – in our family, our community, our city, our world??

Most of humanity is hoodwinked by the media to believe what they are told. Those who dig deeper find some rather sinister schemes at work in our world and many of these schemes are against Christ Jesus our Lord. ( I do not refer to foolish conspiracy theories) The evil one has one supreme agenda -  to attack and crush anything that exalts the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. One of his most successful ways is by corrupting religion.

So what are we to do – do what Paul did – be faithful to , and proclaim the true mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6.19)

“for which I am an ambassador in chains”

Next article may be on the armour of God

John McKee

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