As I read this report about former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright (Read about it here), these words from the Apostle Paul jumped into my mind:

But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be lead astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ" ( 2 Corinthians 11:3) New American Standard Bible).

Why would these words come to my mind? Is it because Albright is a woman? Or, is it because I think she's once again being deceived by the same old group of anti-American weasels in the European Union who so successfully deceived her old boss former president Bill Clinton?

I suspect the answer to both of these questions is "yes." You see, Albright is a woman who I believe is being very much deceived. But, is that a reason for those words from the Apostle Paul to jump into my mind. After all, Paul was addressing his words to a believing church, not to an unbelieving ex-public official who happens to be female.

To answer that question, lets trace back a bit what led the Apostle Paul to say to this church what he said. If you recall, it all started because it was reported to Paul there were divisions beginning in a church he had started at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10-12).

If Paul's concern doesn't apply to our evangelical Christian world today, I don't know what concern ever would. We evangelical Christians today are divided over many issues that actually have little real spiritual importance in our warfare against darkness. In fact, according to Paul, the actual reason the church at Corinth was being divided wasn't over doctrinal issues, but because of their carnal, unspiritual hearts.

What was Paul's cure? The cross of Christ. Paul basically was telling this church if the cross of Christ was performing its work, there wouldn't be any ground for Satan to so successfully sow his divisions among them.

You see, we can become so absorbed pursuing spiritual gifts and biblical doctrines that we forget the most important thing -- our simple faith in the Person and work of Jesus. And, when once again our focus is entirely on Jesus, our fellowship is no longer based so much on what one believes, but who's side is the person on -- Jesus' side or Satan's.

That's why Paul went on to say to this church:

Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom , however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:6-8).

Here's my point: The reason I believe Madeleine Albright is being deceived by the intentions of the anti-American factions in the EU is because she doesn't understand the hidden wisdom available to those of us who abide in Jesus Christ. However, Madeleine has an excuse -- she doesn't claim to be a believer in Jesus.

Now, here's my application: Madeleine's former boss, president Bill Clinton, did claim to be a believer in Jesus. Nevertheless, under the very nose of the Clinton administration we saw the beginning of the rise of the foretold 10-horned beast from the sea.

Furthermore, as these events were occurring in Europe, we heard no cry from evangelical Christian leaders in America. Even to this day, the continuing silence coming from these so-called shepherds utterly amazes me.

Yes, Madeleine has an excuse. She's not a believer -- she's on the other side.

But, what's our excuse?