God versus Principalities

 In the confusing, dizzying and often deceptive realm of “principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6 [12]), we often experience the bitter concoction of deceitful maneuvers and machinations (cloaked under the guise and rhetoric of “God works in mysterious ways”).  Stripped away all the rhetoric, as a wise friend once told me, it all boils down to “like or dislike” (translated in Filipino, “Kung gusto, maraming paraan. Kung ayaw, maraming dahilan”).  Despite the prevalent preaching about being non-judgmental from the pulpit, there seems to be a disparity when it comes to practicing what is preached.  Often, we hear the adage of “walking the talk”, yet how many of those who deliver such preachings would withstand scrutiny if put to the test?

 

Here is my perspective:  Is there a God?  Absolutely.  I believe there is a God because God has manifested his presence to me.  I have seen His handiwork.  I consider myself fortunate to have this insight.  Others have become so disillusioned that they become hardened atheists or agnostics by moving from one toxic principality to another.  So, what are the distinguishing factors between God vs. Satan and its cohort?  The distinction lies in their actions and intentions.  God rescues and nurtures.  Satan and its cohort destructs and destroys.  Satan and its cohorts speaks with a forked-tongue – deceptive language with double meaning.  This is a trait attributed to the nature of snakes.  In contrast, God and His followers communicate openly, offering encouragement without hidden motives or meaning.  God, being omniscient and beyond time, speaks definitively -- without the need for double meaning.

 

God does not give up on you.  In contrast, these principalities and spiritual darkness in high places will expel you from their domain once you’ve served their purpose.  Satan and its cohorts pride themselves on their crafty and cunning maneuvers.  God, on the other hand, does not need to be deceitful because he does not need anything from anyone.  Satan and its cohorts need “insurance” (or “hostages”) for their protection and to be used in their dealings and transactions.  This is how principalities deal with each other.  The essence of God is love.  Satan’s nature aims to provoke anger, bitterness and negativity through psychological tactics.  Satan may disguise his actions as helping you, but the true motive is to free their “mercenaries” so that they can further sustain their power and put a stranglehold on you.

How do I know Satan and its cohort exist?   First is because I have personally experienced its handiwork – anger, manipulation, bitterness, confusion, deceit, and psychological manipulation.  Secondly, their existence is acknowledged in the bible.

 

I no longer attend church because it is infested with so many of these “principalities” that profess to be God’s messenger yet failing to embrace and accept everyone in the congregation.  Despite this, I maintain a continuous and personal devotion through unceasing prayers to God Almighty.   I don’t need the approval of the principalities because they are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.  They are mere black holes that causes darkness scattered in the universe and will only pull you down with their gravitational forces. Some of these toxic principalities might even be the cause of your suffering.  If we fall out from God’s grace, then that’s the end of it.  There is no sense in falling into one of these toxic catch basins wherein you will only be used as a pawn, decoy or bargaining chip.