Greetings,
We are seeing graphic evidence in world events that underscores the fact that there is an evil “prince of the power of the air” at work. This power motivates the human mind in a particular way. This is not new understanding to the Church, however the ever-increasing scope of this influence is becoming frighteningly more visible. Here is a quote from an article written by Herbert Armstrong and published in 1976:
“Satan, prince of THE POWER OF THE AIR, stirs the spirits of humans, injecting into them attitudes, moods, and impulses of selfishness, vanity, lust, and greed, attitudes of resentment against authority, of jealousy and envy, of competition and strife, of resentment and bitterness, of violence, murder, and war. People do not recognize the source of these attitudes, feelings, motives, and impulses. As I said, they do not SEE the invisible Satan. They hear no audible voice. They do not know the attitude comes from Satan (Rev. 12:9). But they come to FEEL such attitudes, impulses and desires. That is how Satan DECEIVES THE WHOLE WORLD.
Self-Centered Attitude
People will feel depressed and won’t realize why. But those unaware of this phenomenon, with this self-centered attitude being broadcast and injected into their unsuspecting minds from earliest childhood, do, to a greater or lesser degree, absorb it until it becomes their normal attitude. It becomes habitual. It does not, of course, exhibit the same degree of effect in all minds — one person will become more evil than another. But the natural tendency is there. They come to have it naturally. It becomes their very NATURE. And we call it ‘human nature’.
All this is an outstanding example of just how subtle Satan is! The finest and most brilliant human minds have been deceived by it. Thus the WHOLE WORLD has been swayed by Satan into what I often term, simply, the ‘GET’ way of life — the way that has become HABITUAL and NATURAL which we term ‘HUMAN NATURE’ (Human Nature – Did God Create It?).”
The Bible helps us understand that basic human nature is inward looking and self promoting – as it reflects the mind of Satan. The apostle Paul grasped this and instructed the younger minister, Timothy, that in the last days there would be stressful times because men will be motivated by the fact that they will be lovers of themselves (2 Timothy 3:1-2). This understanding should help us not only to appreciate what is happening in the world around us, but to be able to avoid becoming similarly self-centered.
A recent editorial comment by the editor-in-chief of The Week magazine is insightful and demonstrates that what we have understood for years is now playing out large on the world stage.
“Each fresh horror [a reference to the latest mass shooting] is reduced to a Rorschach test [psychological ink blot test], as the various ideological tribes see only confirmation of what they already believe, and filter out contradictory evidence and ideas. The need to be right trumps all.” (The Week, June 24, 2016).
Human nature is right in its own eyes. It filters information in such a way as to deflect anything that might make us look or feel bad. It promotes the self. This mental activity serves to isolate and separate. It creates the polarization we are witnessing on the world stage. Unfortunately it also helps to explain some of the polarization which takes place within the Church.
Don’t take conversion for granted. The presence of God’s Spirit in a human mind should create a different mind in us – a mind that does not need to be right in its own eyes. We have a part to play in the development and growth of conversion. Do we filter out those things that we don’t want to see or admit about ourselves? Do we feel comfortable with where we are spiritually? Taking into account the Satan-influenced world around us, let us be convicted of the need for solid spiritual growth and development.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
Church Activities
A number of Church of God groups are cooperating with activities again this summer. Teens and pre-teens are attending camps run by United and COGWA. We are planning our popular annual Bay Area Church Picnic as an open activity on July 10. A similar event will be held in Castle Rock, Colorado on August 21st. We are inviting anyone from any of the Church of God groups who would like to attend to come and join us. See the announcement section on the website for details.
The United Church of God has extended an invitation to single adults to attend a special activity in Rapid City, South Dakota over September 2nd to the 5th (Labor Day Weekend). Please see the Announcement section (under the menu item “Welcome”) at TheFather’sCall.org.
