I’ve been thinking about the different forms malicious animal magnetism can take.
Some forms are obvious, for instance, if a murderer points a gun at you and says he is going to shoot, his evil intention is clear. If a competitor at work says he is going to subvert a proposal you submitted to a common boss, his desire to harm your position is apparent. If an enemy sticks his foot out in front of you while you are running down a path, his intent, or malice, to trip you up, is plain.
But what about forms of malice that look attractive?
Remember the story of Snow White, the seven dwarfs, and the wicked witch who poisoned an apple for Snow White to consume? The evil doer disguised her malicious intent as an attractive piece of fruit injected with poison, and presented it to the unwary hoping she would “bite” the gift. She bit…and you know the rest of the story.
What are some contemporary “apples,” we need to be alert to? I asked.
Malice is the intent to hurt or harm, to injure, even to kill and destroy.
In the world at large, from a human point of view, evil and good seem to be constantly at war with each other. Jesus Christ faced the claims of evil constantly in his ministry. Some were obviously malicious. Others were malicious, but not apparently so.
For example, consider the three temptations.
Satan promised great fame, wealth and worldly power to Jesus if Jesus would bow down to Satan’s demands. From an outward analysis, one might argue that Satan’s “gift” of power and fame was a really nice gesture. “Wow, what a nice guy Satan is, giving me all that material wealth and fame!” But Jesus was wiser. He knew the intent was malicious, not benevolent at all. He could see the “poisoned apple.” It was a roundabout way for Satan to thwart God’s plan and prevent monumental good happening for Jesus and all mankind. The devious plan did not succeed, thankfully.
Today, we too, must be as wise as Jesus in seeing the “poisoned apples” of the carnal mind before we’re tempted to take a bite.
They come in many different forms.
Pills—the promise of enduring health through countless and growing numbers of medical prescriptions is one of the most prolific. Sacrificing a marriage or healthy home life for larger paychecks and promotions is another. Slipping in one’s spiritual studies and growth to pursue selfish wants is too prevalent. These, and more, appear innocent to the ignorant, but they are malicious. They would destroy one’s experience of higher good, pull one away from God, and in the end, sink thought into a dark and lonely place.
So, Jesus meant it when he instructed, “Be wise as serpents!” We must be wise to all the deceitful and subtle approaches malicious animal magnetism would take to distract the unwary.
“Animal magnetism, in its ascending steps of evil, entices its victim by unseen, silent arguments. Reversing the modes of good, in their silent allurements to health and holiness, it impels mortal mind into error of thought, and tempts into the committal of acts foreign to the natural inclinations. The victims lose their individuality, and lend themselves as willing tools to carry out the designs of their worst enemies, even those who would induce their self-destruction. Animal magnetism fosters suspicious distrust where honor is due, fear where courage should be strongest, reliance where there should be avoidance, a belief in safety where there is most danger; and these miserable lies, poured constantly into his mind, fret and confuse it, spoiling that individual’s disposition, undermining his health, and sealing his doom, unless the cause of the mischief is found out and destroyed.” Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellany p. 211:12
That thought of the apple will stick with me. When I was a little girl, I was afraid to watch when the witch gave the poisoned apple and hid under my seat at the movie theatre but now I have the tools to stay alert by this wonderful reminder. Thank you as always. Vicki
To accept a promotion for a bigger paycheck isn’t necessarily a form of malicious animal magnetism. It is often a wise and prudent step in a family’s well being. Sometimes dad (or mom) has to work harder and longer. Kids have to cope and adjust and that is a good lesson for everyone. Not sure I get the inclusion of this in your article. Success in careers is a good thing. Working for a high goal (including promotion and increased pay check) is a good thing. No?
I dont believe the author was saying every promotion or bigger paycheck was a form of malice. But even it she did. I believe some have pierced themselves with many sorrows. Affairs, divorce, murder, unruly or children left too much on their on with no guidance and chasing after material temporal things instead of first seeking the kingdom of God, family value first. It has to be a good balance
I think she meant that by accepting a promotion the intentions behind it may be a crave of wealth that might be unhealthy for a family. For example, if you accept a promotion that would prevent you from seeing your family for months at a time, sure your family will have to adjust and get used to it, but the time away from home can be lonely and tempting, in my opinion, a perfect chance for the devil to come and try to destroy a marriage/family.
Some years ago my husband had an opportunity to open his own business. It was something he’s always wanted to do. He took the footsteps … taking a class in developing a business plan, and creating the business plan. And he decided against it. His first marriage burned up in too much work. I was his second. He never thought he’d have children … we had two little girls he loved with all his heart. He said that we were treasures, and if he opened the business, he would really be “gone” for at least 5-7 years. He stayed put, in a job that is, well, just OK. But what an amazing father he has been able to be! What a pal of a husband. What a benefit to our community. Sometimes I chafe at feeling restricted financially, but what a gift … to be told YOU are a treasure.
Love it!!!
This is a good subject, and a good article. Thank you. The comment above is meaningful.
I think Jesus just plain didn’t take instruction from Satan, whether the advice sounded like good advice or not. Jesus’ response, as all of us know, was, “You will worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.”
For Christians if we’re reading over the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, and we are looking for and finding loopholes, then I think we should be aware that it is probably animal magnetism in us that is doing the reading today. This is my opinion anyway. Gary
To above over concern with accepting larger paychecks, my words were, “Sacrificing a marriage or healthy home life for larger paychecks and promotions is another.” I didn’t say it was bad to accept more pay. I mentioned that it would be evil to sacrifice a marriage or healthy home for more pay. More pay is fine! But be sure the more important things in life continue to flourish…
agreed
We talk malicious animal magnetism up, in order to talk it down. When you walk along, there always seems to be a shadow following you. You have the substance and action, the shadow mimics you, but has no substance or power to do anything. Hatred is a suppositional lie. Love is the real truth. and reality that is God (Good). There is no other power or presence.
The inset quote is a great synopsis of what we see in the world today. It’s easy to get there if we get lazy and neglect the Truth we miss if we aren’t spending time in God’s Word. Great article! Thank you for sharing.