Wherever you look today there is conflict. Whether it be neighbours arguing, family rows, disputes over politics, religion and war, strife and humanity seem to go hand in hand. The root of the problem seems to be the human heart, and what we see and hear on a daily basis is the disastrous result of a world that has has turned it’s back on God.

Though there are many faiths with millions of adherents who all claim to be following God (and that He is on their side, so to speak), many use God as a shield to hide behind in pursuit of their own agenda. Sadly, a number of these delusional followers will go to fanatical lengths to prove their loyalty to an evil creed, often resulting in death and destruction (as we have seen in the Middle East and many other places).

Jesus said Satan was a liar from the beginning. It is his mission to spread fear, division and death upon our planet. Those who, knowingly or unknowingly throw their lot in with him, will find him a fair weather friend. Soon, turmoil and division, hatred and destruction, not to mention, the more subtle kinds of evil that coax and orbit our fallen human nature, reap wickedness.

Jesus, on the other hand, calls us to follow and trust him, where we bear good fruit and walk in the Spirit. The presence of our loving Lord and Saviour brings blessings not just for this life, but in an everlasting one to come, filled with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. In Christ, there is no division or hostility between man and God. So whatever, where ever the source of conflict comes from, as Christians we are told to avoid getting into these situations. It clearly states in 2 Timothy 2:34-24 “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies, you know they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil”.

We are also called upon to be peacemakers, encouragers and enablers as the following verse of scripture from Romans 14:19 proclaims, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and upbuilding”.

From the Old Testament, we have Proverbs 29:11: “A fool gives full vent to his opinion, but a wise man quietly holds it back”.

John Lennon in his famous song ‘Imagine’, spoke of ‘peace, a brotherhood of man, and nothing to kill or die for’, in pursuit of a better world. Some might say his lyrics were inspirational indeed, but sadly, they reflect a humanism, devoid of God or a place for Christ, as seen from a portion of the song below:

“Imagine there is no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today

Imagine there are no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you will join us
And the world be as one…”

Only through God and him alone, can this utopian world come about. It is Jesus Christ who saves us and brings forgiveness with God, reconciling us to him by his shed blood. To replace God and the teaching of Christ with man’s humanistic doctrine and endeavours is as foolhardy as following Satan. Maybe that’s the Serpents cunning plan after all?