A fable about a force
What if there was an invisible force that controlled everything?
A force so powerful that it made one think they were in control, but, rather, they were being manipulated, coerced into willingly giving up control. The force might better be described as an invisible controlling spirit.
The spirit managed one’s emotions. With a gentle nudge in one direction, the spirit could make one laugh, feel joy, be satisfied. And with a slight pull in the opposite direction, the spirit could bring tears, disappointment, fear.
The spirit controlled commerce, dictating purchases of food, clothes, houses, you name it. The power could manipulate where one spent every dollar.
The spirit controlled an individual’s world view. The editorials and opinions that entered the mind were blown in by the force. The news and events were carefully curated to arouse each individual.
The spirit controlled beliefs. The definition of the world, medicine, even God, was completely controlled by the spirit.
This spirit was so strong that nothing could be kept away from its control. Travel, food, trends were all controlled.
And, the spirit was celebrated. The captivating call of the spirit caused culture to desire to spend time with it, enjoy the fruit. In fact, everyone participated in making the spirit stronger.
The spirit was extremely strong with the youth. Those that did not know life before the spirit. They didn’t know any different, that there was supposed to be a different way.
The spirit strengthened as one grew older. Time spent elsewhere was now spent hand-in-hand with the spirit.
To withstand this spirit was a fight, some might say impossible.
However, the kryptonite against the spirit was solitude with truth. Time alone spent with truth could overcome the spirit. The settling of the soul temporarily extinguished the fire of the force. Reasoning, thinking, pondering, writing, calmed the chaos.
And, what if suddenly you woke up, you recognized the spirit. You suddenly understood how it controlled you personally, how it made you feel. You suddenly became aware of the strength and pull the spirit had in how you manage your marriage and your family. And, you suddenly recognized how the spirit was shaping your kids, too young and innocent to understand.
What would you do?
Galatians 5:13-26