Helter Skelter

According to Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi, Charles Manson sought to bring Helter Skelter to the United States in the summer of 1969.   Manson envisioned a race war that would eventually benefit him and his “Family”.  When events were not moving fast enough for the cult leader, he organized two horrific murder scenes that he hoped would start the racial finger-pointing which would culminate in the holocaust that would put him and his cult in control of the young people and the world.  On the surface, Manson’s plans seem to have been fueled by an infinity for music and a misunderstanding of the book of Revelation; but, in the end, the thing that drove him was evil.  He was willing to kill and he was willing to dupe people to achieve his grandiose dream.  Simply put, there was evil in his heart!

Recently,  I have thought a lot about Charles Manson.  There is a lot of finger-pointing going on  these days.  A terrorist attack that claims the lives of two dozen people in England, a senseless murder of an African American student in Maryland, a car driven through a crowded Times Square that claims the life of a young lady.  Explanations and accusations abound:  “It has to be a system of beliefs that is creating our issues, right?”,  “No, it has to be hate groups fueling what’s going on, doesn’t it?”, “Wait, maybe it is breakdown of law and order that allows this to continue.”  In an effort to make sense of chaos we try to identify a simple solution.  Unfortunately, the more we try to pinpoint the blame the more confusing it gets and the less we trust of our fellow man. However, just like with Manson, there is source of blame for what is going on; but, it isn’t race, nationalism, or society.  Simply, people are giving in to satan and are promoting acts of evil.  In an effort to maintain his control, satan is more than willing to create confusion about the source of what is going on; but, let’s not be misled, these things are being done because evil has infiltrated individuals’ hearts.


The devil plays for keeps and has no conscience about who gets hurt.  He isn’t some oaf that doesn’t know what is going on; nor, is he merely a misguided spirit who was punished for a mistake.  Satan is the prince of evil.  He will take a life or steal a soul if it means that he gets to retain his place in the world.  The New Testament advised, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [e]brethren who are in the world.” (I Peter 5:8-9).   Let’s give satan the credit (or blame) he deserves; but, more than anything, let’s guard our hearts so that we don’t become his next pawn..

Popular posts from this blog

At The Foot Of The Cross

I like a lot of the old classic hymns, but there is one that I struggle to sing – The Old Rugged Cross .  I understand that George Bennard’s masterpiece has an allure to a lot of people, but honestly, there are some phrases that get stuck in my mind and in my heart.  I find it hard to vocalize that “I love that old cross” or that I can see its “wondrous beauty”.  No, I don’t have any scriptural issues with the song, nor do I feel we should stop singing it – it’s just not one of my favorites. While I may struggle with Mr. Bennard’s description of the cross, I do appreciate the imagery of emotionally standing at the foot of the cross and being reminded of its lessons.   When I look at the cross, here are a few things I notice: 1).   My inability to be personally successful in life .   Everything I have and everything I hope for comes from Jesus.   Whether it is internal peace or external success, it all dependent upon His work in my life.   Yet, my greatest failure comes in my inab
Read more

The Gospel Truth

During a recent Communion Service Scripture reading I was struck by a portion of John 19.  I am sure that I have read it scores of times, but this time it really got me to thinking.  When John recorded the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion he wrote, “ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35).   In the midst of making some incredible claims about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus John pauses to say, “believe me”!   As I got to thinking about the importance of this statement it reminded me that we all have to be honest with the gospel – not just John (whose words would transcend time) – but every one of us.   Even though we have the written Word available to us today, we must treat it with honesty and we must be transparently truthful when discussing it.   So, how do we make this happen? 1.   We must know what the Bible says (and doesn’t say) .    Truth begins w
Read more

Spiritual Computer Safety

When I took a computer class in college the highlight of the course was getting to actually see the computer – which was housed in a room by itself.  During the semester I also remember seeing a smaller piece of equipment (I think they called it a “personal computer” because of it its size), but  I didn’t pay too much attention to it because, after all, if it took a computer the size of a classroom to do simple accounting processes what could that dinky thing do?  That was circa 1980 ... it is incredible how things have changed! Often, when we discuss computers and spirituality, we tend to focus on pornography, but that’s not the direction I want to take this discussion.   Computers – complete with the development of the internet and the prevalence of social media – impact our mind and our spirit just about every day.   In light of this, I want to provide a few suggestions for keeping us spiritually safe in the modern technological world. 1.   Don’t take to heart everything we se
Read more