Satan's Progress

In just my lifetime, I’ve clearly seen the progression of vulgarities (the works of the flesh, Gal. 5:19), as they have been thrust into the mainstream. Pervasive lyrics in songs and foul language and content in movies and television were just the beginning. These words no longer hide within the content, but have now emerged to the surface. I can think of several recent, “popular” movies, as well as music groups, that wear a name that a Christian should not repeat. We have all watched, as the rules and standards at the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) have eroded.

This is one of the many embodiments of the secular progressive movement. Well, you might ask, what is the secular progressive movement? It’s nothing new. In fact, Satan has used it since the Garden. It begins with the idea that there are no moral absolutes. God says that if Adam and Eve eat of the tree, they will die. Satan, in essence, says, “Not Absolutely.” At every point in time and in every way possible, Satan has been trying to undermine the standards of God.

A secular mindset (as opposed to a spiritual mindset) views the physical world as all that exists. When we die, we cease to exist. Therefore, we must seek after whatever brings us maximum pleasure in this brief life. (Shame no longer exists in a secular mind; it would be admittance to an actual standard of right and wrong.) One of the basic clichés I hear is, “I have no regrets.” The only way someone can say that, is if they reject the idea that their sins nailed Jesus to the cross (1 Pet. 2:24). This type of person lives under the deception that death doesn’t usher in a Day of accountability (Heb. 9:27). They echo the rich man’s mindset of “take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Lk. 12:19), piling earthly treasure upon earthly treasure.

Isaiah warns us, as he describes the agents of Satan, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (5:20, 21). These elements, within our society, urge us, saying, “loosen up,” “don’t make such a big deal about everything,” and “this really isn’t that bad.” Satan has successfully disguised this mindset as being “more enlightened” than those old people, who don’t like to have any fun. And, this would make perfect sense if our soul was never “required” of us (Lk. 12:20). Likewise, Christians, with their uptight perspective, would be the most “pitiable” of people (1 Cor. 15:19).

Unfortunately, while Satan’s efforts have been moving forward, the disciples of Christ are not nearly as phased as we should be. This incremental manner, in which ungodly behavior has moved into the mainstream, lays prey to many unsuspecting Christians. The things that Paul said were “shameful even to speak of” (Eph. 5:12) have become everyday entertainment. No wonder language and lifestyle standards have been devolving into the “unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11). It becomes increasingly difficult to “walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8b), when we are routinely exposed to evil, as if it were good.

Solomon rhetorically asks: “Can a man take fire to his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?” (Pr. 6:27, 28). Emphatically, I answer NO! But, what Solomon identifies as common sense, many challenge today… if not in word, definitely in deed. To say that fire doesn’t burn, that evil company doesn’t corrupt (1 Cor. 15:33), and that sin does not bring death, is to mock God (Gal. 6:7). We are warned “that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron...” (1 Tim. 4:1, 2). Many are departing from the idea that God alone determines what is “right.” We are slowly becoming numb to the pain and shame of sin, to the extent that even some faithful Christians find nothing wrong with quoting foul things that others say. God says that this is “not fitting” for a follower of Christ (Eph. 5:4).

James gives us a reminder: “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless” (1:26). Satan is certainly winning over many hearts, when we see Christians who are convinced of the opposite. The fire of sin no longer burns. Its destruction is no longer felt. The psalmist makes our absolute standard crystal clear: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:7-9). Satan simply responds with, “Not Absolutely.”

-Cary Gillis D.Min.

January 3, 2021