Scheming

When I read newspaper and internet stories and listen to the radio and television one word leaps to mind—scheming! Republicans accuse the President and the Democratic-controlled Congress of trying to impose socialism. Democrats accuse Republicans of fear mongering and not caring about the American people. Special interest groups accuse Supreme Court justices for not holding to the Constitution. Radio talk hosts accuse the media of sensationalism and distortion. There is no happiness and unity is as easy to find as a unicorn. Perhaps we would do well to pause and to consider the nature of man.

Meditation
Psalm 10:4—In all his scheming, the wicked arrogantly thinks: “There is no accountability, since God does not exist.”

I suspect rebellion was the first recorded sin in history. Two essential ingredients fuel an evil rebellion: pride and scheming. Satan turned against his Lord. Then he incited Adam and Eve to disobey. Absent pride, there was no reason for Satan to usurp God. Minus scheming, there would be no action. From the time of Eden to the last words of John, the Bible is sated with pride and scheming.

A man without God is a man who lives for himself. Even a kind atheist at heart gives to make himself feel good. Scheming is the natural byproduct of a man or woman’s attempt to get what he or she wants. Thus, it is asinine for us to act surprised at the selfishness we see in actors and leaders across societal spectrums. Even those in the presence of Jesus were natural schemers—just look at the twelve apostles! Too often, I am concerned with my own agenda. It is only by grace and the merciful help of a loving Counselor that I can set my heart to do what God wants!

Impious people will plot—they cannot help it. We do not have to stew and let the actions of the arrogant upset us. We are responsible to do what is right, to pray, and to seek the will of the Father. Our confidence comes when we remember, “But You Yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into Your hands. The helpless entrusts himself to You; You are a helper of the fatherless”—Psalm 10:14.

Inspiration
The vision of socialism is magnificent; there are benedictions and blessings for mankind on the line of socialism which have never been yet; but if once the root is cut from redemption, it will be one of the most frantic forms of despotic tyranny the human race has ever known. It looks like the lamb, but when the big crisis comes, it gives life to the beast.—Oswald Chambers in The Shadow of an Agony