The Apostolic Voice

©2012 Stan Hallett

It seems no matter where we are, we are constantly being lured. Big Corporations, Small Companies and even individuals vying for our attention.  They each have a motive, they want something from us.

In business it’s called advertising, and they very good at it. They have learned what works and what doesn’t. They have it down to a science.

I remember all the cigarette commercials on television when I was a young boy.  They always showed some famous movie star or some rugged, good looking man enjoying a cigarette.  Remember the Marlboro man? The rugged, masculine, good looking, mature and wise looking cowboy?  Even doctors were used in the ads.  Movie stars smoked in the movies.  It seemed like everyone, even the kids wanted to be like them.

In modern times the advertisers have really caught on to the the fact that “sex sells” and it sells to the women as well as to the men. What they have really learned is that to the world at large, anything that plays to lustful desires, a persons greed, hedonism, and pride will sell.  The Bible calls it the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

It’s everywhere! In stores, on magazine covers at the checkout, on the television, on the Internet, and in movies. It is so ingrained in our culture and society.  It seems the majority is just waiting for the next big thing to flock to, the latest fashion, newest computer, smartphone, or hot car.

The vast majority seem to have a mob mentality that is being conditioned and trained by Hollywood, television, popular singers, or sports stars. We live in a “me” generation.  “Whatever makes me feel good”.  The general attitude is “as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, do what you want”.

Is it any surprise that the world at large would do the bidding of, and follow after the desires of the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)?  It is satan that we are battling (Ephesians 6:12) and no one else.  When you are lured in, it is satan who lured you.  When you become attracted to the medium that portrays his message you are allowing yourself to be lured and enticed by him.

Never before has television programing and commercials been so perverse and so foul. I will not tell you that you cannot be saved if you have one, but you are putting yourself and others in harms way if you have one in your home.

The Internet can be the most dangerous and perverse place in history.  If you do not have proper filters on your computer, then with the stroke of a few keys you, or any loved one in your home can be viewing the most perverse and foul websites and videos imaginable, with no restrictions.

One of the most serious plaques today is pornography.  Not just on the American family, or our youth, including your girls, but it has even had grave consequences attacking those in the Church.  Too many men of God have fallen prey. It is an attack on individuals, it destroys families, and it is an attack on the Church.  Satan seeks to destroy all.

I have become convinced that every computer, if you feel that you must have one, should have filtering software on all computers as well as on any wi-fi system. This secret epidemic is far reaching.  Even young girls are increasingly becoming addicted to pornography.  Do not think that you know your family and that you are okay.  The Bible says that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it (Jeremiah 17:9)?

Recognize satan’s bait, his lures, and his traps. He will reel you in.  It just may be an ad on a website that contains enticing wording, or the picture of a pretty girl.  Perhaps it’s just curiosity that causes you to click just to see what it’s all about.  The next thing you are looking at scantily clad women and you get lured deeper, giving into the flesh and falling prey to the trap of the enemy. Some soon find themselves in places they should not be, and on thoughts in which they should not be dwelling upon. We need to learn to recognize the lures, the traps, and the pitfalls of satan, and avoid them.

The best Internet filter, and world filter for that matter, is to be full of the Holy Ghost. It will illuminate satan’s traps so that you will not be snared unaware. If you have not been filled with the Holy Ghost, you need it.  If you have, then you need to keep your lamp full more than ever before (see “No Oil, No Light“).

Do you have questions?  Feel free to write to me via my contact form.

Tags: bait, bible, hollywood, lures, pitfalls, pornography, satan, sin, television, traps