It seems to
me that technological advancement brings confusion into our lives. It’s
easy to get out of touch with our inner truth when we’re so concentrated on the
outer badges of “progress”. We may question many things, including the
existence and validity of God’s love. That’s exactly how Satan wants us to
think!
How does
Satan set out to destroy us? I think the
answer to that is multifaceted. The scriptures say he attacks our mind. He can
confuse us, disrupt our plans, destroy our self-esteem, and throw unexpected
tragedies in our path. All of these involve our mindset.
In William
Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2,
the title character states: “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking
makes it so.” In other words, nothing is either good or bad in itself; it’s all
in our mind. While we may debate the ethics and morality of extending such an
attitude too far, the basic concept remains: our psyches are the center for opinions and judgments—right or wrong.
What Methods Does the Devil Use?
- He allows people to imprint demeaning thoughts in our mind. (Yes, even loved ones can be a tool for confusion and feelings of self-defeat.) My daughter does not give compliments to anyone…ever. Instead, she usually points out minor mistakes and argues. She’s similar to a Hollywood critic. If I were to hold fast to only her demonstrated opinion of me, I would think I rarely do anything right. I wouldn’t think I was worth much. That defeatist attitude is fully supported by the devil--who hates us all
- He clouds our thinking with trauma and disease. Some of us have chronic conditions that unbalance our pattern of thought. Others go through temporary trauma that may darken their judgment. It is difficult to think beyond these afflictions, and that’s exactly the mindset the devil is trying to achieve. He attacks our minds in many ways so that we will think we’re blocked from progressing.
What is the Solution?
The unconditional love of God is the first cure for a mind
muddied by the metaphorical roaring of Satan. (Of course, professional help
should be sought as needed.) God’s love
can heal us and strengthen us in many cases.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf further explains God’s feelings for us: “Though
we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves
us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love
encompasses us completely. … He loves every one of us, even those who are
flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.”
My Conclusion
We deserve
God’s love in the same manner as imperfect earthly children deserve their
parents’ love. His unbounded love can
heal us, clear our minds, and show us our true worth.
How has God
manifested His love to you?
