There is ample and graphic evidence to be seen in world events that underscores the fact that there is an evil “prince of the power of the air” at work (Ephesians 2.2). This power motivates the human mind in a particular way. This is not new understanding to students of the Bible; however, the ever-increasing scope of this influence is becoming frighteningly more visible.
Satan is the prince of the power of the air and 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 realize the source of these attitudes, feelings, motives, and impulses. They do not see the invisible Satan or hear an audible voice. They do not know the attitude comes from Satan (Revelation12:9). But they can feel such attitudes, impulses, and desires. 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. And we call it “human nature”.
Human Nature
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 also to be able to avoid becoming similarly self-centered.
An 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 on the world stage. Each fresh horror like the latest mass shooting is reduced to a psychological ink blot test, as the various ideological tribes see only confirmation of what they already believe and filter out contradictory evidence and ideas.
Human nature leads us to think that we are always right. 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 pattern 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.
A Different Mind
We must not 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?
God’s Holy Spirit, in stark contrast to the nature or spirit of Satan, will lead us to be able to see ourselves as we really are. Taking into account the Satan-influenced world around us, followers of God need to allow Him to work with our minds – to show us what we need to change – and let us be convicted of the need for solid spiritual growth and development.
Brian Orchard