Be Aware

October 22nd, 2024

Esther 3:8-15

In the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a character known as Grima the Wormtongue. He used his position as chief advisor to King Théoden to weaken the king and his kingdom. Wormtongue desired power, riches, and possessions. He was a constant stream of insincere flattery, lies, and twisted information.

I imagine Haman and Grima the Wormtongue to be similar: They saw an opportunity to manipulate someone in power in an attempt to gain power for themselves. In both Théoden’s and Xerxes’s cases, it took another to break this hold of manipulation. Neither king was aware enough of the powerful manipulation employed by their advisors to avoid falling into the trap.

We, too, can be manipulated by others, systems, or ideologies if we are not careful. Do we need to be in constant fear? No. Do we need to ask God to help guard our hearts and minds? Yes. Allow God’s voice to become so clear in your life that you hear Him above all else.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson