The Puppeteer

“Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:21 MSG)

Most of us are familiar with the story of Pinocchio, who starts life as a puppet. In the early stages, he is naive and easily manipulated by deception. He allows Evil to pull his strings. He lies to himself and to others. After much delinquent behavior, Pinocchio develops an internal conscience. As he grows in wisdom, he is less influenced by worldly desires. By the end of the story, he is changed from a puppet figure to a real boy who is true to himself and to those around him.

Like Pinocchio, we too, are often manipulated by deception. We are like puppets--our emotional strings pulled by the same hands which are behind all wickedness. We cannot free ourselves. Only a power mightier than Evil and greater than ourselves can cut the strings.

The Spirit of the living God animates us. As we grow in discernment, we are guided by truth. We are less influenced by desires for pleasure, material gain, and validation. We no longer allow evil to get the best of us. We are controlled by the Holy Spirit who transforms us into the authentic persons we were created to be.

“Spirit of the Living God,

fall afresh on me.

Melt me, mold me,

fill me, use me...”

(Lyrics from hymn by Daniel Iverson)