Beware of Political Strife

 Are you a socialist? Watch out. The devil is also a socialist.

Are you a conservative? Careful! The devil is also a good conservative.

Are you an idealist who wants to save the environment, who believes in a New World Order? The devil is a card-carrying member too.

Are you a conservative patriot who wants to save your country from foreign domination? The devil loves national pride and xenophobia.

The devil manipulates us without ceasing. He stirs up self furious self-righteous indignation every day and everywhere.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 

idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions … Gal 5:19–20 NIV84

"… hatred, discord, ... dissensions, factions ..."

If we look too closely at the schemes of the devil in this world, we will be tempted to embrace belligerent religious or political movements. 

Then we become spiritually blinded by fear, anger and pride. We can no longer clearly perceive the truth of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

When we passionately fight for an ideology, our patriotism or idealism can become a false god without our realising it.

"… hatred, discord, ... dissensions, factions …"

We see these unfortunate tendencies everywhere, unfortunately also among devout Christians.

Where do you fix your eyes, on the schemes of the Antichrist on earth, or on Jesus?

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand.

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:1–2 NLT