Transcending Conflict

The devil frequently likes to set up two opposites both of which contains bits (different bits) of truth but plenty of falsehood too. The adherents of each side focus on the truth in their chosen side and ignore the rest and then do the reverse for the other side. This need not mean that both are equally as good or equally as bad as the other. One may indeed be the better choice though it will not be without flaws. That doesn't matter to the devil. What he wants to do is fuel division and if that can lead to anger and hatred so much the better. Unless we are wise he cannot lose. He spreads lies under a veneer of truth and then, as people react to that with negative feelings, he sits back and enjoys, maybe even feeds off, the ensuing clouds of darkness.

The only way to avoid being caught up in this is to stay focused on higher realities, to set your mind and heart on God and to try to see the truth from that perspective and that perspective alone. Obviously one still has to live and act in this world with all its imperfections and that means that sometimes one might have to make a choice that is far from ideal from the higher point of view. Then make it! But make it knowing that, without God at its core, it is easily corrupted and then you may be back to a worse position than before.

Never forget that in most conflicts in this world the devil likes to play for both sides and set one off against the other in pursuit of his grand plan of spiritual corruption. But always remember that God can put all his plans to naught if we allow him to do so by inviting him into our hearts. The real God, that is, not an idol of our own making. That's important.

P. S. This isn't a direct comment on the American election but, of course, is inspired by it.