“After Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (2 Chronicles 26:16).
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
As Allen and Legion watched another group of Duns taking off under Vulpine’s orders, Allen asked, “Where do the Duns go when they leave here?”
“Well, as our turn comes up, we are summoned to stand before Vulpine; as we will be very soon.” Allen didn’t want to think about that.
“He has a master plan for devastating anything created by Theos. Though Duns have access to the whole of the cosmos, our main efforts of destruction are focused on the inhabitants of earth because they are the favorites of Theos.” Legion then made a statement that Allen found hard to believe. “We have great success there because many of those who live there exhibit the same potential for evil as Vulpine.”
Allen rolled his eyes. “Now wait a minute. I know lots of people who say humans are good. We have a social economics teacher in our school, who tells us we’re all basically good. But he also said some people either allow or are forced into situations in their life that cause them to make destructive choices and suffer dire consequences, but as a rule, he says, we're all good and the world’s getting better.”
“Well, Allen, some may see it that way. But Vulpine’s rebellious attitude is also alive and well among humans. He and his minions are constantly tempting and deceiving you to want to become a top dog.”
Allen gave Legion an odd look and shrugged his shoulder as he voiced, “Maybe It’s true.” He felt quite bold and interrupted one more time. “My mom’s always talking about me pushing to have my own way, but what's wrong with that?”
Legion’s ebony face grimaced under his hood. Allen could see deep furrows appear on his brow. Legion paused before he spoke. “That’s a good question. Allen, your thoughts reflects your attitude. The Dark Region loves to use people’s bad attitudes to stir up arguments, fights, and even wars among people on earth.”
Allen let out a whistle. “I can’t believe my thoughts could make that much difference.”
“It’s key. Vulpine and his dark cohorts never give up trying to present selfish thoughts to your mind. Just think back in your own life and remember how many times you made yourself feel better by putting someone else down. Based on our experience over eons, we can guess what you’re thinking and given enough opportunity, we’ll attempt to influence those thoughts. Then those thoughts, in turn, impact your actions.” Legion let out a sigh.
Allen listened, troubled. “You mean you can make me think wrong thoughts?”
“No,” Legion replied sadly. “Not always. But after we tempt you to think wrong thoughts often enough, you become your own master at it.” Even though Legion had that black hood over his head, Allen could see a look of firmness in his expression.
At that moment Allen grew up to a level of wisdom many adults never achieve. He recognized how the conflict between good and evil works. And the most remarkable thing about it all was—he was learning it from Legion, a creature from the Dark Side.
In this pause before their attempt to escape, he wondered if he would ever be able to share this experience with anyone. “What if I am caught and have to return to that horrible confinement? What if some other endless doom awaits me?”
Legion interrupted Allen’s tormenting thoughts. “Don't let any thought of failure during our escape creep into your mind right now. Try to hang on to what I just told you.”
“Wow! It’s true. You do know what I’m thinking.”
Legion shook his head. “I was only making a good guess based on the expression on your face and how I would be thinking in your place. Make sure you get it right Allen. No matter what thoughts are placed before you, it’s you that makes the final choice.”
As Allen nodded that he understood, Legion whispered urgently, “I may never be able to have a time talking to you like this again. I know you’re young, but I believe if you can understand this deception process, you can tell people back on earth and perhaps others will become messengers of Light—a Light that will expel darkness in so many lives.”
“I think there’s still time for me to tell you one more thing,” Legion continued. “Something that you can tuck away in your mind and as your adventure ends, and you share it back on earth, the reason all this happened will always be with you.”
Allen was encouraged by the positive way Legion talked about their escape. Legion continued. “I can tell you the causes of evil, but not the source. Remember, what I’m going to tell you are the causes. It is important to remember the difference. Want to hear them?”
Legion’s wisdom intrigued Allen. “Of course.” Allen gave his full attention; he knew it was very important for him to get his mind fully in gear.
“First, your people get pleasure out of possessing something but even greater pleasure out of having more of it than others.” Legion’s tone intensified.
“Second, many humans talk, act, and live as if they are better than others. And third, no matter what they have, they’re never satisfied—even when they do have more than they possibly need, they’ll try to get even more just to show their power.”
Allen’s mind whirled. He rubbed his forehead. “Wow! That's heavy. I’m not sure I understand what you mean. Can you say that again and make it real simple?”
“I'll try.” Legion grimaced and leaned in closer.
“The first point means you always want to have more of’and better than—what others have. The ‘me first’ idea. Selfishness always wants to be first.”
“Got ya.”
“Second, you talk and act as though you’re better than others, boasting inside with your thoughts and then bragging outwardly with your actions.”
“Aha!” Allen waved one finger in the air. “You mean like getting something or doing something that no one else has done, then feeling important inside and bragging about it?”
“Well, that’s sort of the idea.”
“I think I understand.”
“Great!” Legion rubbed the back of his neck.
Allen glanced up at Legion and took a deep breath. “Go ahead. I think I’m ready for you to explain the last point to me.”
Legion’s face brightened. “The final point is an attitude of ‘let me show you how powerful I am.’ Allen, this arrogant spirit has caused death and destruction beyond measure. Right from Vulpine to the schoolyard bully—this is evil at its worst.”
Allen let out an exaggerated moan. “Oh, I don’t think I need any help with that one. I’ve seen its results since I’ve been here. In fact, Vulpine has really shown how this works big time, right?”
Legion gave Allen a quick nod. “Now you get the picture!”
“Yeah, but are you sure those are the only causes of evil?" Allen smacked his lips and shook his head. “It sounds too simple.”
“It’s of utmost importance that you grasp what I am telling you.” Legion circled Allen.
“All evil falls within these three causes. They’re really simple but very subtle.”
A chill shot through Allen. “What does that mean?”
“It means that sometimes you might not even know or be willing to admit you’re acting in any of these ways, and that’s why it’s easy to get trapped.” Legion stopped, collected his thoughts, and then continued. “Maybe this will help. There is one word that describes these three evils.”
“One word,” Allen always did like to keep things simple. “What’s that one word?”
“Pride!”
Suddenly without warning a bellow rang throughout the horror chamber. Vulpine was commanding some of the Duns at full volume. “Do it the way I’m telling you!”
“There it is!” whispered Legion. This caused them both to crouch a little lower and talk a little softer. There was a short lull in their conversation.
“Let me finish, Allen, with this final word. On earth folks hate pride in other people, but nobody’s free from it. Most humans don’t even think they have a problem with it, especially teenagers, because your world has taught you that these ways are normal.”
Allen’s head kept bobbing as Legion explained further. Time was running out and he was on a roll.
“If we discover you’re indulging in these prideful thoughts, we shriek for joy because we can fan the darkened thoughts into actions by finding ways of mingling some lies with other thoughts in your mind. You believe those lies and act on them, destroying your relationships.”
“Wow, now I see it. That’s exactly what’s happening back home with my friends. It gets real ugly.”
“That’s right. The earlier in anyone’s life they discern how to turn from pride, the better chance they have of succeeding as they get older.” Legion stared off into space. “These are the things Vulpine believed, taught, and demonstrated, leading to his expulsion from the City of Light. Do you remember what you heard him say in the forest?”
Allen tilted his head to one side and nodded. “Yes, I remember, it was all about him. So Vulpine believed his own lies, many others believed him too, and now he’s trying to get people on earth to believe them.”
“I’m glad to see my word of warning isn’t falling on deaf ears!” Legion patted Allen’s hand. “Now you’re beginning to understand beyond your years. Can you see why you were chosen?”