Because it is the nature of darkness to hide, there are indeed
conspiracies afoot.
C.S. Lewis famously observed, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” I think the same can be said of conspiracy theories.
I see on one side those who mock reasonable questions about the origins of the Covid virus, the integrity of our elections, or the agenda of the World Economic Forum with, “Oh… that’s just a conspiracy.” But equally disturbing are the ones on the other extreme who think EVERYTHING is a conspiracy. They wear me out with their alarmism and suspicion.
The reality is certainly somewhere in the middle, where the sound sensibility of the scriptures exhort us, “Do not believe every spirit…” “Test everything; hold fast to what is good.” “… Evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
Lewis wisely points out a foolish and deadly denialism on one side, and an unhealthy fixation with darkness on the other. Instead, let us walk in the sanctified center of wisdom: If the origins of the virus, or the outcome of the election seem suspicious, then by all means ask your questions, pray, and do your research. Or if you can’t be bothered, then at least affirm your brother and the questions he may be asking. Engage in reasonable conversations, and arrive at your own considered conclusions. But don’t try to drag me into a rabbit hole that will divert the whole river away from the shores of truth and reason. We are called to declare the good news of the Kingdom, while taking only a passing interest in the deeds of darkness. (Indeed, enough interest so that we can pray intelligently).
“If you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding… then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.” May we live curious, questioning lives of healthy examination, while we keep our hope and our focus on the One who is the truth.
Dispatches from the Shadowlands: Hopeful glimpses of a Kingdom 
Good points, Don.
Sadly, many of us have a tendency to search for things that provide evidence for our beliefs – true or false. For example, Person A makes a bad first impression on Person B and no matter what a wonderful Person B is, Person A looks for evidence to support the original impression that Person B is up to no good.
On a national scale, we are witnessing such incredible division and people seeking out evidence to support their beliefs, whether those beliefs are accurate or not. People on both sides of a particular issue can find evidence to support their positions. That’s why we would do well to take a step back, take a deep breath and ask for discernment – accepting that perhaps we are missing something.
We are called to be lovers of the truth. Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with our God.
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Great observation, Steve. I do that all the time, even when I should know better. I was just thinking about Micah 6:8 the other day. Thanks for the reminder.
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I so appreciate you, Don. You take me into the “deep waters” with your thoughtful observations. Keep ’em coming!
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Agree!
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As always Don, your words challenge me to be a better seeker, question asker, and follower of Christ. Thanks for the consistent nudges in the right direction.
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Thanks, Chris! And your encouraging friendship brings it full circle. We each need the other
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I needed that! I do seek and ask questions, knowing there is such a battle being waged, and the integrity of things we held as sound are being shredded. But…I am gullible, and need to look at all things through the lens of Scripture. Why fret over that which is of man and fading away, when God’s Word will stand forever, and Jesus Christ is King eternal? Thank you, Don.
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Thanks, Chris! Yes… I think one of the most crucial gifts of the Spirit during these troubling time is discernment. I pray for discernment almost.
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