The Family Circle
Whether in a great metropolis or a small town, the main avenues and thoroughfares occupy strategic positions. With rare exceptions, they always lead to the center of the city. In certain places these avenues are even referred to as “arteries.”At the center of the city are the most important institutions and administrative offices. The security of the entire administration depends largely on what goes in through those avenues. The administrative institutions must always be well protected because the whole city and all surrounding areas are affected - positively or negatively, depending on what happens to the administration. The same applies to countries. The access roads must always be well protected.
The tragedy that occurred in New York City and Washington D.C. in the United States on September 11, 2001, is a poignant example of how well guarded all the accesses to a city or to a country should be. As it is well known throughout the world, the twin towers of the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, were severely targeted by three civilian airplanes commandeered by terrorists of al-Qaeda. More than 3,000 persons died in this tragedy, and all indications show that the fourth airplane was on its way to strike the White House, the residence of the American president. But it crashed in Pennsylvania before reaching its target. Ever since these terrorist attacks on that tragic September morning, all the ports, airports, and U.S. borders have been well guarded.
The modern electronic means of communication used by the terrorist net, well exemplifies the resources used by Satan to reach, corrupt, and even destroy the human mind. Millions of dollars were spent coordinating those attacks. Much time was spent in training the suicidal pilots in American flight schools. All was carefully devised so that all would happen according to the attacker’s plans. And it worked! The mastermind of the attacks stated that the results were beyond expectation.
In the broader spiritual sense, Satan likewise is a skillful planner. He uses all resources at his command, and if those are not efficient enough, he creates new ones to reach his objectives. Even more, he has 6,000 years of active work experience with the human mind.
When dealing in Eden with sinless beings, the archenemy used powerful methods to attract the holy pair. First, he attracted Eve to the place where the tree of knowledge of good and evil was placed. Eve saw the tree with its pleasant fruit, and she heard the charming voice of the enemy speaking through the serpent. Eve became fascinated with the forbidden fruit and touched it. Finally, she ate it (olfactory and palate senses) and took it to her companion. All five senses were utilized by the enemy to reach his infernal object. Immediately after Eve’s fall, the wily foe used her as an instrument in the fall of Adam.
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Genesis 3:6).
The word of God in Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” We need to keep in mind that the expression “heart” in the majority of cases refers to the human mind.
The Pharisees accused the disciples of Jesus of disrespecting the traditions of the elders, because they did not follow the ritual of purification that the Jews were accustomed to before meals. When Jesus was alone with His disciples He said: “Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man” (Matthew 15:18-20).
Let us meditate on the inspired thoughts found in these three Bible references: Proverbs 4:23; 23:7; and Matthew 15:18-20.
1. We need to guard our heart well.
2. Whatever is in our heart shows what we are.
3. If the heart is not well guarded, out of it will proceed murders, adulteries, prostitutions, false witnesses, blasphemies. These are the things that defile a man. By God’s grace, we need to control the avenues of the soul so that our hearts may be full of the heavenly influence; then, out of it will proceed only those things that are for the honor and glory of God.
Let us consider the battle going on for the control of the human mind. On the one hand, God through His great love seeks - with our consent - to assume control of our mind, preparing us for His glorious eternal kingdom. On the other hand, Satan also seeks to invade our mind - even against our will - to assume control of our life and lead us to eternal destruction. Divine power, and satanic as well, are reaching out for the control of our mind utilizing all the avenues of the soul.
“The apostle [Peter] sought to teach the believers how important it is to keep the mind from wandering to forbidden themes or from spending its energies on trifling subjects. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices, must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind must not be left to dwell at random upon every subject that the enemy of souls may suggest. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, or evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in darkness.”1
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16).
What are the avenues of the soul? Our five senses: eyes, ears, taste, touch, and smell. “All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them; for these are the avenues to the soul.”2
The avenues of the soul should be shut to all that is impure, earthly, and satanic, and be constantly open towards Heaven. The apostle Paul wrote: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:1-5).
Even though Satan will try to attack our mind through all the senses, it seems that the most vulnerable ones are the senses of seeing and hearing. We are constantly bombarded with what we see and hear. Here are some of the resources he uses in the destruction of mankind:
Books exert a tremendous influence on the mind of the readers. When the Word of God is heard, read, and obeyed, it is able to transform millions of lives, preparing them for eternity. On the other hand, books written by infidel and immoral authors are able to destroy millions of lives, preparing them for eternal destruction.
“Pure healthful reading will be to the mind what healthful food is to the body. You will thus become stronger to resist temptation, to form right habits, and to act upon right principles.”3
“The nature of one’s religious experience is revealed by the character of the books one chooses to read in one’s leisure moments. In order to have a healthy tone of mind and sound religious principles, the youth must live in communion with God through His word. Pointing out the way of salvation through Christ, the Bible is our guide to a higher, better life.”4
“If you had never read one word in . . . books [of infidel authors] you would today be far better able to comprehend that Book which, above all other books, is worthy to be studied, and which gives the only correct ideas regarding higher education.”5
“Among the most dangerous resorts of pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school of morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements.
“The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence. . . . The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement.”6
The theatrical scenes presented in the olden days are today massively shown on television, videos, Internet, and so on. It is not necessary for anyone to leave home to go to the theater nowadays. The theater can easily come right to your home through TV and the Internet.
From an article written by Paul Smithson entitled, “The Influence of TV,” we quote the following:
“In a recent TV guide I found that of 290 movies listed to be aired on cable, only 47 were not described as having strong language, adult themes, nudity, violence, or sexual situations. Of those 47, only 18 had been produced in the last two decades. And of those 18, nine were children’s films. The others were mostly documentaries.
“Why has TV become so corrupt? Just look behind the scenes. Public opinion published a survey of 104 of Hollywood’s most influential writers, producers, and executives. The results were that 97% support abortion; over 80% believe homosexuality is not wrong; over 50% do not think adultery is wrong; over 90% seldom or never attend religious service.
“When we continually allow ourselves to be influenced by things which Jesus warned against, our hearts become calloused and begin to think nothing of watching and hearing filth. Like those in Jeremiah’s day many no longer ‘know how to blush’ at sin (Jeremiah 8:12). Do you blush at sin? Does it bother you to hear and see nudity, sex, and profanity? Some might blush if they were out in public, but many do not when they see it right in their own living room.”
From a newsletter of the “Spiritual Cinema Alliance,” we extract the following:
“If we want to make a positive change in the world, we cannot ignore video games because their violent subject matter is having a major influence on our youth and our society as a whole. . . .
“In 1992, Dr. Brandon Centerwall wrote that ‘long-term childhood exposure to TV is a causal factor behind approximately one-half of the homicides committed in the United States, or approximately 10,000 homicides committed annually;’ and that if, hypothetically, television technology had never been developed, there would today be 10,000 fewer homicides each year in the United States.
“The United Nations, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, National Institute of Mental Health, American Academy of Mental Health, and the U.S. Surgeon General, have all made definitive statements about the relationship between childhood exposure to visual violent images and later manifestation of real world aggression and violent criminal acts. . . .
“Right now, we have an epidemic of violent video games training our children to be de-sensitized killers. I am appalled and concerned when I see what children are watching. What are parents thinking to allow their children to watch these games? All I can say is that parents are either unconscious or negligent when they allow their children to partake of these games. Every parent needs to know and control what their children are watching as modes of entertainment!
“Unfortunately, many parents do not monitor their children’s media activity. They just give in to the desire of their children, who are bombarded with aggressive gaming industry marketing and strong peer pressure. . . .
“These video games are effectively being used by the military to train snipers to be able to kill people, . . . so why not the kids who watch them also?
“So what are these violent video games doing, especially to the brains of children? Children have been scientifically proven to process information differently than adults, in a different area of the brain than adults. Children’s brains are still in a critical stage of development and they are permanently impacted by such conditioning techniques to violence through video entertainment. . . .
“The Australian Family Association is extremely concerned about film and literature classifications. Spokesperson Danny Casey believes there’s just too much evidence linking violent behaviour to some videos and especially video games.
“According to psychiatrist, Dr. Julian Parmegiani, watching violent videos could tip some people over the edge. He says, ‘children who watch violent videos behave more aggressively.’ ”
The effect of music on human behavior is evident. We are affected either for good or for evil depending on the kind of music we hear. For instance, when we listen to Handel’s Messiah, we feel as if we are attending a heavenly choir.
The power of the sacred music is very well illustrated in the experience of King Saul and David:
“And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him” (1 Samuel 16:23).
“David’s skillful playing upon the harp soothed the troubled spirit of Saul. As he listened to the enchanting strains of music, it had an influence to dispel the gloom which had settled upon him, and to bring his excited mind into a more rational, happy state.”7
On the other hand, demonic music is used to invoke the presence of Satan in a spiritualistic environment. Rock music has its evil effect upon those who listen to such music. Sadly, most of the music played in many churches is really used by Satan to achieve his purposes.
“Music can be a great power for good; yet we do not make the most of this branch of worship. The singing is generally done from impulse or to meet special cases, and at other times those who sing are left to blunder along, and the music loses its proper effect upon the minds of those present. Music should have beauty, pathos, and power. . . .
“Many want to do things after their own style; they object to consultation, and are impatient under leadership. Well-matured plans are needed in the service of God.”8
“The low, common pleasure parties, gatherings for eating and drinking, singing and playing on instruments of music, are inspired by a spirit that is from beneath. They are an oblation unto Satan.”9
Some famous singers give very important information about rock music.
Little Richard said: “I believe this kind of music is demonic . . . a lot of beats in music today are taken from voodoo, from the voodoo drums. If you study music in rhythms, like I have, you’ll see that is true.”
Mike Warnke stated his plans for using acid rock to keep his young crowd tuned in. He had initiated hypnotic rock music as a prelude to his rituals and encouraged heavier usage of drugs with it.
Jerry Lee Lewis, who openly claims the presence of the devil in him, boasts that he’s dragging his audiences to hell along with him. He says, “How am I going to get them to heaven with a ‘Whole Lotta Shaken Goin’ On’? You can’t serve two masters; you’ll hate one and love the other.”
David Winter openly admits in his book New Singer, New Song that “an incessant beat does erode a sense of responsibility in much the same way as alcohol does. . . . You fall in the grip of a relentless stream of sound to which something very basic and primitive in the human nature responds.”
Dr. Joseph Crow of the University of Seattle has declared: “Rock is a use of music based on mathematical formulae to condition the mind through calculated frequencies (vibrations), and it is used to modify the body chemistry to make the mind susceptible to modification and indoctrination. Rock music can be (and is) employed for mind bending, reeducation and reorganization.”
How about “gospel music,” “Christian rock,” and kindred types of heavily rhythmic music? All these have the same origin: they come from the great musician who once was Lucifer, and became Satan, the adversary.
What is our highest priority as parents? To prepare our families for the kingdom of God. What is our mission as a church? The same mission that Elijah and John the Baptist had.
Of John the Baptist it is written: “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:16, 17).
Regarding the remnant people of this last generation, it was prophesied: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:5, 6).
We urgently need to restore the family altar. The study of the Word of God with persevering prayer, morning and evening worship, the gathering of the family before sunset on Fridays to sing, pray, and study God’s Word, all these should be restored.
“In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. Just such a work as that which John did, is to be carried on in these last days. The Lord is giving messages to His people, through the instruments He has chosen, and He would have all heed the admonitions and warnings He sends. The message preceding the public ministry of Christ was, Repent, publicans and sinners; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees; ‘for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Our message is not to be one of peace and safety. As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a definite message to bear - ‘Prepare to meet thy God.’ ”10
Let us seriously take heed of these timely words of Inspiration about the two classes of people in God’s church:
a) “This age is one of peculiar temptation, especially to the self-sufficient ones, who feel no special need of guarding the avenues of the soul. Unless they heed the warnings God has given, they will most surely be drawn away from the principles of the truth. They will stand among those who dishonor the faith and give heed to seducing spirits. They plead for indulgence of appetite. They enjoy those things which animalize the nature. They do not know what it means to be meek and lowly in heart. They take no delight in contemplating the character of the Saviour. The rebuke of Christ is upon them because in thought and action they are corrupt.”11
b) “He who wears Christ’s yoke sees constantly new beauty and loveliness in the Saviour. He counts self as nothing, for he keeps his eyes fixed on Jesus. He thinks of Jesus and speaks of Jesus. His soul is constantly reaching forward and upward for more distinct views of the One in whom all his hopes of eternal life are centered. Nothing is permitted to eclipse this view. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, he is changed into the same likeness from glory to glory, from character to character, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”12
“Christ Himself will decide who are worthy to dwell with the family of heaven. He will judge every man according to his words and his works. Profession is as nothing in the scale. It is character that decides destiny.”13
In this short period of probation still available to us today, let us seek the Lord with all our hearts and pray that He may fit us to live in His kingdom. Together with our families, we want to utter these words at His soon return, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9).