 |
Dangerous Rubbernecking
That brings us to a last point that shines some light on why the OWO theories are so agreeable to most listeners despite the inconsistencies mentioned. We have already affirmed the Bible’s perspective that conspiracies are nothing more than the nature of fallen man. Conspiracies breed in the hearts of all humankind, driven by the common impulses of greed, power and envy. The truth is that we all play the role of little “antichrists” when we rebel or resist the kingdom and purposes of God. As already mentioned, the only difference is that some of us are in more influential positions of power and wealth.
The conspiracies of more powerful people are simply bigger and more destructive. But, crucially, who, given tens of millions of dollars, a crisp suit and a position of power would not be corruptible? These elites are essentially no different than any other people. The only difference is that they are mostly richer, or are in a position of power and influence. In that situation, they face much more powerful temptations and lures than most of the rest of us.
Herein is one reason explaining why the conspiracies among rich elites are an attractive lightning rod of our attention: envy. Since these people are rich and privileged, we reason that they must therefore be especially culpable, despicable and monstrous. Yet, in truth, we secretly envy these people, not realizing the huge dangers and deceitfulness that wealth and power represent. We may resent what such people’s actions in their pursuit of more power and greed may cause. After all, that has been the case down through history. As we reviewed, the Old Testament prophets often identified the oppression of the poor and elitist-type thinking as sin, and prophesied various judgments.
All the same, we secretly aspire to be in the place of the rich and the elites. Therefore, what we really are witnessing is that the seed of evil and corruption is in the heart of every person. Having “international bankers” and corrupt elites to blame is convenient … and so delicious. It alleviates us from our own culpability no matter how small or venal. All humanity is involved, for the whole world has gone astray, says the Bible.
False Religion: The Fatal Attraction
Satan, in one way or another, uses the vices and greed of mankind to carry out and coordinate his plans from the individual crook or petty thief to the highly sophisticated pecking orders of elitists, whatever their stripe. There is but one grand conspirator. However, he accomplishes his plans through gullible and deceived humans. Satan and his demon hordes simply get people to work in their self-interest. That is not to say Satan has an ironclad control over elites or any other individual.
Godless, greedy people are no more obedient to Satan and his intended order of things at all times than are Christians to their Savior, Jesus Christ. People remain individuals of choice and willful independence. As Christians, we regrettably do willfully stray sometimes, only to experience disciplining. The same state of affairs applies to the world of people who have given themselves over to the worship of Mammon and everything that goes with it.
Yes, there are large global conspiracies that spring from privileged position, opportunity, and avarice. But let’s not forget our complicity in these developments. Christians can also be part of these worldly conditions. After all, the Apostle Paul warned all people: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:5-6).
Thoughts To Ponder
What are we to do about the great global conspiracies that envelop the world today? What of the sins of elites of the globalized, endtime era that the world is experiencing today? Should our attention be sidetracked by these individuals? Should we be lured into casting aspersions and condemnations upon these people?
No, let the world go its way. We belong to a kingdom that is not of this world. Instead, our eyes are to be cast upon the Lord, and His soon-coming return. We are to let the world and its schemings and rebellions against God pass us by. We have a much higher hope: No longer being infants who are “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15).
Speaking the truth in love? Is this a reasonable approach, even in this present day when evil and global oppression abound as perhaps never before? Yes it is, as we must remember that we have a duty to snatch all from the coming fire, whether derelicts, drunkards or rich, godless elites. They are deceived and trapped, as well. Writes Jude, “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh” (Jude 1:22-23) We can choose to be generous and forgiving, no matter how difficult our lives may be, for we have an eternal future of great reward and riches.
And, it is and will be difficult for many Christians in these last days — doubly disappointing for the many who have been duped into believing the rampant prosperity gospels. Living a life for Christ guarantees no riches and material comforts, but rather trouble and persecution. The entire counsel of the New Testament affirms this message, not to mention the trials and fate of all 12 of the founding Apostles.
The writer of Ecclesiastes recognized that difficult times can occur for the wise and godly as well as the wicked. Evil times can overtake us, despite our avocation to the Lord.
“I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them” (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12).
God laughs at the nations and its conspirators. We need not fear them or reprove them. God will judge them and everybody else. When the wrath comes, it will be because of conspiracies and many other sins of humanity.
In the meantime, importantly, our focus is to be on Christ. King David said this: “Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers” (Psalm 65:2). So, let God deal with the wicked, and let us hide in Him. Above all, we hide ourselves from the hysteria that results from some of the more extreme OWO theories.
Our enemies are not rich global elites, but rather demon rulers and powers in high places (Ephesians 6:12). We are not to be worried about that which can kill the body, but rather that which kills the soul. “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5 also Matthew 10:28).
Judgment is coming for all, including the rich oppressors as well as the enslaved poor. Above all, we are not to be deceived. It is not the One World Order and its conspiratorial elites that endanger us to the pits of hell, but rather the False Prophet and false religion. In that sense, the false gospels and sanctified materialism threaten us most. Rather than the rich elites, the religious preachers of compliance, compromise and worldly utility are directing our attention and hopes upon mankind and worldly prosperity that threatens to kill the soul.
We worry not about a One World Order. We instead guard ourselves against the eternal hell fires that threaten from religious disorder and rebellion. And, that threat comes not just from distant international sources, but from among us ourselves. False teachers have arisen in our churches, steering our attention to staking our claim “now” in material prosperity and happiness. It is our very hearts that stand convicted.
In the end, the elites will be proven deceived pawns. We have no cause to blame them alone for the world’s spiral into evil and its certain destiny with wrath. Dear brothers and sisters, let us “Hide from the conspiracy of the wicked” by remaining “hidden in Him.” Judgment is coming for all, including the rich oppressors as well as the enslaved poor. Above all, we are not to be deceived. It is not the One World Order and its conspiratorial elites that endanger us to the pits of hell, but rather the False Prophet and false religion.
