William Steinmeier
Jefferson City
Dear Editor,
I have been writing about the risk that America is losing its republic by reason of national suicide, and the fact that we live in the midst of spiritual warfare within and around us, whether we acknowledge it or not. Satan was written out of serious public discourse in the latter half of the 20th Century and reduced to fodder for comedians. In fact, however, he is alive and well, and working harder than ever to turn people away from God.
First Peter 5:8 says Satan "prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." However, it is imperative to realize he is also highly skilled at whispering in people's ears. He is a shrewd deceiver, masterful at mixing truth with falsehood. A classic book by C.S. Lewis, "The Screwtape Letters," vividly portrays how Satan ("the father of lies" -- John 8:44) and his minions operate. If a churchgoer is sincere about actively serving his church, Satan may whisper to him to do more and more so that he becomes so frazzled that he neglects his health and his family. If a believer is compassionate toward Central Americans seeking a better life in America, she may unwittingly hear Satan whisper that a good Christian cannot oppose anyone coming into America, legally or illegally.
If one is not a Christian, he or she is even more susceptible to Satan's lies being whispered into their minds and spirits because the Holy Spirit of God is not within them to counteract those lies. Satan's lies have resonated with Hitler, Mao and Xi, Stalin and Putin and countless other godless tyrants and murderers. Those lies motivate Mexican cartels, American street gangs and mass murderers. They convince some that any perceived injustice justifies burning down cities and destroying businesses.
Satan's influence is seen in politicians focused on the next election instead of the public good, on drug and gambling addicts and on confused adolescents questioning their sexual identity. Lies of the evil one break down marriages, promote sexual promiscuity, and promote pridefulness and narcissism. Those lies convince some people that having to listen to anyone else's viewpoints injures them. There is a spiritual war going on around us and affecting us every day.
As America becomes less Christian, more people become persuaded by more of the lies of the evil one, whether roared or whispered. America needs a new Great Awakening.