Extremes

The devil is a smart, if not particularly wise individual. He recognizes the fact that contention is one of his greatest tools, and consequently he does everything within his power to create the opportunity for contention. One of the means by which he creates these opportunities is through encouraging the creation of divisions, factions, and extremes. The devil clearly recognizes that we are beings of agency, that we have the ability to choose. However, one of his greatest goals is to limit and control that agency. In order to do this he creates opportunities for us to use our agency to the point where he can ensnare us through our unwitting, but perhaps willing consent. For example, our two party system of government. We are presented with two choices, or factions, both of which have some good aspects. Who doesn't want to help the poor, and who doesn't want to preserve the Constitution? However, in the mess of these two choices, we can easily become lost. Our focus is detracted from the things that truly matter, and we are caught up in the battle between the two parties. Compromise and teamwork can become undesirable, and the opposing party is seen as the enemy. Consequently, Satan has created the opportunity for us to limit our own agency. Contention emerges between the two parties, and consequently our minds are clouded and we are unable to clearly see the detriments and benefits of each party's position. Rather, we are presented with what is seemingly only two choices, and we are pushed closer to extremes, whether they be fascist or communistic. There is a danger in being overzealous, in being too willing to fight, and too resistant to compromise. There is a reason why the founding fathers were against political parties. They can be utilized to limit our freedom to choose, and they prevent us from viewing the clear picture. So be wary of extremes, and the contention they can create, they can quickly become traps meant to ensnare and limit our choices and points of view.