Jane Doe | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Jane Doe | Previous Challenge Entry
By Pamela Elizabeth
08/06/14
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

It wasn’t until her last breath that I knew her destruction was certain. You see, I can never be sure if my tenacity and hard labor will be rewarded. At times, my adversary intervenes and His people flourish, despite which arrow I shoot at them, while other times, He leaves them to their own devices. Why He does this perplexes me. After all, I’m not God. Well, I suppose you know that, hearing of my misadventure. I believe you refer to it as “The Fall”. Merely a mild setback, I assure you.

Now, where was I? Ah, yes, my latest victory. What was her name? Beth? Rachel? Joyce? Trivial matter, really. I’ve destroyed many Beths, and Rachels, and Joyces. And Emilys, Kellys, Annes, and Marys...I really should have kept a list of names. I’ll call this one Jane Doe for the time being.

I simply must tell you how I defeated Jane and how so very clever I am! The Holy book she babbled on about mentions my craftiness many times. So often in fact, you would think Jane would have kept alert to my various deceptions! I was privy to her numerous readings of the proverb which warns of turning to the right or the left. Indeed, a valid warning. Go off the narrow path and I will toss you to and fro and carry you about by every wind of doctrine.

You must understand that your race is never satisfied and always wants more. So, I grant you choice. Philosophies, cults, religions, and –isms; I offer clouds without water which promise much but deliver nothing.

Where was I? What a time I am having! Time is short and the end is near. There is still much work to be done! I fear I am appearing as confusing as my doctrines, swaying this way and that, swirling about with no foot hold in sight.

Ah, dear Jane. See, while she was regarded as a “Godly woman whose lips were always adorned with the name of Jesus”, I knew better. I knew her foundation was built on sand, and the seeds cast to her met stony ground. Biblically illiterate, theologically barren, and terribly undiscerning, she was an easy mark.

I’m sure you’ve heard my rumor that man cannot know truth. This one tickled Jane’s ear. This, truly, is one of my masterpieces. The world was done searching for truth outside of God. I needed a new lie. See, if you believe you cannot know truth, the logical end is ambiguity, uncertainty, tolerance, and acceptance of everything.

What surprised me most…oh this makes me giddy with excitement! What astounded even me was the eagerness with which this was welcomed by Jane’s Laodicean church, thereby resurrecting my all time, personal favorite, “Hath God said…?” I’ve led so many astray with that doubt. Jane began to believe the Word of God was no longer relevant, clear, sufficient, or complete. She turned from the power of Christ and gobbled up every man centered-self esteem-pop-psychology-self help fad out there! False doctrine laced with misapplied scripture verses were already thriving in the Christian marketplace. All I had to do was plant wolves in sheep’s clothing in her midst and let the inevitable happen.

Jane went right. Then she went left. Then back and forth so many times, the narrow path soon became a wide vista. The name of Jesus became a mystical chant with no personal importance or meaning. She glorified mystery over the sufficiency of scripture. I gloated as I watched her flounder from one pagan practice to another. He stopped calling her His, and I started calling her mine.

You might think this is all so troubling, but the warnings are clear. Much to my chagrin, the references to false teachers in the New Testament are plenty. But, I do have my victories.

You have been patient with my chattering, so I will offer you one last admonition - despite the fact I’ve already revealed too much. Eternal life will only be composed of what is left which will be right. That will not include my diversions. Be alert, as I do not concede defeat with you yet.

I have enjoyed my time with you and while I would love to stay and regale you further with my genius, I must go now. I am hosting a party which I have been anticipating for quite some time. Truthfully, it’s a celebration!

For you see, today saw the death of Jane.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.