Why is Irrationality and Delusion Running Rampant?

One cannot turn on the news without seeing the irrationality that exists. People spew illogical thoughts and reasoning. People protest and riot without knowing why or they do so without a factual foundation. People unknowingly claim evil as good and good as evil. It boggles the mind to see the amount of delusion running rampant in the world. Why is this happening?

Romans 1:18-32 explains that there are those who know God exists, but have turned their backs to His truth. Verse 21 says that "their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Since they have chosen to suppress God's truth with their wickedness, He has given them over to a depraved mind.

God allows us to have our own will and to make our own choices. Unfortunately, there are some who have chosen to turn away from God's truth and seek their own version of truth. Some even twist God's word to meet their desires rather than change their desires to meet God's word. Verse 25 tells us that "they exchanged the truth about God for a lie".

We read in John 3:19-20,
“[19] This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. [20] Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”

That light is Jesus Christ as we read in John 8:12 where he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

There is a spiritual warfare that exists between light and darkness. This is why Christ gives us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, teach us and arm us against the wiles of the devil. Those who have not accepted Jesus as their Savior, are vulnerable to the delusion and irrationality that satan uses to blind his victims. We read in 2 Corinthians 4:4,

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Without the power of the Holy Spirit, it is difficult for a person to accept and understand God's truth, thus they are susceptible to deception.

Apostle Paul teaches in I Corinthians 2:14, "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."

We, ourselves, need to be on guard against the wiles of the devil. Just because we have the Holy Spirit does not mean we are not susceptible. We read in 1 Timothy 4:1, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."

This is why Apostle Paul warns us in Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

The delusional are irrational and their thinking is illogical. They lack discernment and wisdom, both of which come from God through the Holy Spirit. Yet, they are not without hope. We have a merciful Father as we read in 2 Peter 3:9,

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God is always available to anyone. They only need to seek him. The Lord tells us in Jeremiah 29:12-14, ”[12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity."

God promises to deliver the lost from the captivity of delusion, irrationality and deception. They only need to seek him.

What can we do to help those lost in that captivity? First, we need to realize that "they know not what they do" just as Jesus said about those who persecuted him. These people are blinded and are without the Holy Spirit.

Second, we can plant seeds of love, compassion, patience, understanding and gentleness. For anything good to grow, seeds must be planted. Then God will nurture it and water it as Apostle Paul teaches us in I Corinthians 3:6, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow."

Thirdly, we must pray for wisdom, gentleness and guidance in our words when we interact with the delusional. We must also ask for wisdom to know when to walk away. Not everyone is going to be open to hearing anything outside their point of view. God's Word provides wisdom about such people in 2 Timothy 2:23,

"[23] Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. [24] And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. [25] Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

Some are so intensely captive by satan and filled with darkness and anger that all we can do is pray for them. In some circumstances, any effort at a friendship or relationship can be detrimental to ourselves. So we pray for them and love the person from a distance. They are God's child and his responsibility to correct and guide.

Until the day Jesus returns and binds satan, there will be deception blinding those who have chosen their own path instead of God's path of truth, light and freedom. But we have a merciful Father who always has open arms for anyone who seeks Him. And as God's children, we must be vigilant and put on the whole armor of God so we can withstand the delusion and irrationality that permeates this world. In the end, we know that ALL will know the truth and the truth will set them free.
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