In any discussion about right and wrong, good and bad, or self and selflessness, I hear people arguing that they can always tell the difference. The implication is that wrong, bad, and self are easily identified. The suggestion goes further to imply that one would not choose the dark side knowingly.
I believe that Evil is often attractive. Her attributes include power, discipline, and getting results. Even the current English expression of something that is really good fits the bill (it’s “wicked”). Regardless of our spiritual journey and perceived momentum on that journey there is something inherently attractive about the wrong side of the tracks. I tend to assume that the draw is primarily due to “self” yet I think there is much more to the relationship than we usually assume.
John saw people pursuing evil with an intense passion. The scene wasn’t an isolated event with few in attendance. Many people, for decades and centuries, often confused and in a state of self deception and denial, are as one. “They worshiped the Beast, exclaiming, “There’s never been anything like the Beast! No one would dare go to war with the Beast!” (Revelation 13.4) The pursuit continues to this day. Nobody is standing up to them. There is far too little living evidence that God has anyone taking the side of compassion, mercy, and love. And so the attractiveness of the Beast grows.
You and I have an opportunity to make a difference. We can stand up for God. This requires something totally different than the urban myths would want us to believe. This isn’t about dress, where we live, and those with whom we associate. I don’t see this about music or many of the traditional lifestyle things Christians worry about. What I see as critical is our stand on unconditional acceptance, an individual’s access to God and Calvary, the role of compassion that actively does something about injustice, and mercy that transcends our own demons, bias, and anger. It isn’t about self or gratification it is about love. We can give others a choice.
