At one time or another, there have perhaps been some who have been subjects of the proverbial “case of mistaken identity”, or even mistakenly accused of saying something you did or didn’t say, or doing something you did or didn’t do. However, it doesn't end there, because presumed innocence does not guarantee a verdict of not guilty, and even among those wrongly accused. The Scriptures speak loud and clear: "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10). But then it goes further to say: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23). One thing I can say about the foregoing scenarios, and without a shadow of doubt, any one of these would qualify as a case of one having no knowledge of who the real culprit was in neither of the above cases. I would surmise that such cases are more common in today’s world than we've seen in prior years, and by all accounts the trend favors an escalation of such cases.
Consequently, I say all of that to say this, the acceleration, global dissemination and adoption of social media practices in the exchange of suspect information, has surely served as motive for opportunity. Nonetheless, social media can be a positive and prosperous force when used accordingly, responsibly, ethically and wisely. As Proverbs cautions us, using our words sparingly, with proper motives and sound judgement will add value to the experience of both contributors and the audience. Otherwise, suspect, misleading and deceiving information is being peddled for self-serving, self-aggrandizing and self-gratifying purposes that demonstrate a complete lack of concern, care or the desire to serve others. Do know that these behaviors are genuine traits of the enemy:
Proverbs 10
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness.
Proverbs 13
3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide lips shall have destruction.
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Proverbs 14
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man with wicked devices is hated.
Proverbs 16
23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
What we are witnessing are the subtle but real signs of the enemy at work both in us and among us. Hence, the uncommon phrase: "a fungus among us". I use this minute and seemingly innocent organism, because reports have it responsible for approximately 1.5 million fatalities across the globe annually! What a revelation.
The Bible contains both Old (OT) and New Testament (NT) accounts of enemy warfare, encounters, attacks, incidents and stories. They can be categorized as either physical or spiritual. NT cases of these hostile forces take on a wider variety. The apostle Paul writes with an emotional tone: "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)" (Philippians 3:18-19).
As innocent as the actions of some may seem, there are personal or public enemies who, by nature, harbor ill will and either passively or aggressively. Know that they maximize damage to their prey by suppressing any and all suspicions of their presence. They loathe whoever loves the Lord and, and by virtue of that fact, wage war against God’s chosen people. It’s no surprise that the enemy poses a real threat, has real bad or evil intentions and causes real problems. Satan, or the chief practitioner of sin, is so crafty and divisive that he exploits those that are ignorant to the fact that they are even being exploited. However, by way of the Scriptures, we are empowered and made fully aware of his schemes and devices in exercising strict control over the unsuspecting: "Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoreth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house." (Micah 7: 5-6).
But dare not fret, because the God who formed the universe and everything in it has always had the solution to this global problem. That is, He is our defender and our deliverer. He is the solid rock on which we stand! Now, listen carefully, as Jesus preaches that Great Sermon on The Mount: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man , which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25).
Enemy combatants are, historically, the most highly effective sources of dread, distress, fear, disorder, aggression, hostility and oppression. In consideration of its true identity and ultimate purpose, one wouldn’t expect otherwise. I have even heard it reported, and definitively, that the Coronavirus is the "enemy". On another note, a stalker is not known as a public official, but a public menace. You haven’t seen him, but he exists and his modus operandi is to inflict misery, harassment, harm or hurt: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8).
God would provide the nation of Israel with instructions and an assurance of His protection as they commenced their departure from the wilderness of Sinai, and in preparation of an encounter with an unknown enemy: “And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.” (Numbers 10:9).
At the consummation of the church age, and with the return of Christ for His church at the rapture, a resurrection of the dead, and the glorification of both will be accomplished. Death, the last enemy, will meet its demise and thus disposed of… it will be conquered: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom of God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-26).
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