It’s nothing new, but sometimes it’s good to remember: there are both good and bad people in the world. And, with each passing day, it seems that the number of good people keeps shrinking.

I’m not even talking about those who are evil on the inside or evil and proud of it. It’s not the pedophiles, rapists, terrorists, assassins, thieves or drug-dealers that worry me. Those in these groups at least assume their wickedness. It’s easier to shield yourself from them. What messes with me is when the bad guy is disguised as the good guy. They are truly Satan’s spawns:

And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

The devil made illusion an art form. He is the true illusionist who endows his own with the same ability, which they use to deceive those who have their guard down to his lies. They use good things to do what’s evil. They take advantage of peoples good faith to create religions. They use love to turn needy hearts into mush. They appear to support charity, so they can pocket the public’s money.  They create and use laws to legalize their corruption.

This is the kind of evil that grows exponentially. One of the reasons why illusionists multiply is because good people are too naive.

Those on the good side have to be more alert. Many times our big mistake is that we forget the extremely evil people in the world; we don’t pay attention to the fact that vicious wolves dressed up in sheep’s clothing walk among us. “I send you as sheep amongst wolves,” Jesus warned. “Be prudent as a snake…” In other words, your innocence and goodness won’t protect you. As Ronald Reagan once said: “Trust, but verify.”

There are a lot of illusionists out there. Open your eyes.