February 1, 2024

Deceit and delusion are very funny (odd) things. Of course anyone who reads the Bible knows that Satan is the father of lies and the great deceiver. As Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun. We read how Satan used the same old tired methods over and over throughout the Bible.

But this is 2024 and much of the world has become “civilized” and cast this belief to the “dustbin of history” or fable. We have never experienced the kinds of atrocities that people back then did. And we have become so wrapped up in our own lives and problems we see nothing outside of our own little bubbles. We have become spoiled little fat cats and trained for generations that we can rely upon ourselves for whatever we desire and taught “If it feels good, do it.”

Unbeknownst to most, we have been primed for propaganda, deceit and delusion. Did you know that it’s easier to deceive someone than it is to convince someone that they have been deceived? When the disciples asked Jesus what would be the signs of His return, the very first thing He said was to see that no one deceives you. We are repeatedly warned in the New Testament that deceit and delusion would come on the whole world.

Now most of the western world has developed a pride or ego that has convinced us that we would know if someone were lying to us, especially if it were a friend or family member. Or maybe a trusted Pastor or Bible teacher?

I am certainly not a psychologist or expert in matters of the mind. But I have always been very interested in watching people and how they react to different situations. I am also in love with God and His Word. I study and pray for understanding of His Word and His ways. And when writing something like this I especially pray for the right words.

What I have picked up on since the pandemic in 2020 is how normal everyday people have changed in their responses to even the slightest difference of opinion with others. And it doesn’t matter what the issue is, politics, social issues even between fellow Christians on major doctrinal issues!

What concerns me is the adamant refusal to listen to factual documented evidence, rational common sense discussion or even truths you have known all of your life. Instead you get brutally attacked verbally and sometimes physically. You get accused of and called some of the most vulgar and disgusting things imaginable even though they don’t even know who you are. I don’t know about you but in my mind those kinds of reactions just scream delusion and ignorance.