English: Chinese for “Snake” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to the Chinese zodiac 2013 ushers in the year of the snake. This after the year of the Dragon sets us on a course, according to the Chinese, of good fortune but to those of the Christian west one could draw the opposite conclusion.

To the Chinese, the Snake would be most content as a teacher, philosopher, writer, psychiatrist and fortune-teller. In truth there are many snakes in our society. They are present in every sector of society but are best identified in the areas of academia, politics, the media, and the arts. They weave their way through these institutions leaving in their wake confusion and destruction, and yet they seem to excel and advance undeterred. The poet put it succinctly when he penned the above verse.  The snake has been around since the beginning of time and will exist until the end of time. In the meantime the snake has a focused purpose and will not be deterred. With patient persistence the snake will weave and twist and wiggle its way into every dark corner of society, and lay its eggs of deception along the way.

The snake can not be compromised with, nor can one negotiate in good faith with a snake since they will take both sides of an issue and slither their way around any obstacle that opposes their purpose and plans for society. One can not trust a snake. The way of the snake is never straight but always crooked.

2013 is also the Year of the Water Snake, described as unpredictable. When its body moves forward, it ungulates, thus making it difficult to tell which direction it is going. Which personally I find disturbing. It is difficult to tell exactly where the snake is leading you or for that matter where it came from. Since it will willingly take both sides of any issue it is almost impossible to entrap the snake in any ideological debate, since the snake has no problem twisting and winding itself into any distortion necessary to advance and avoid capture. This constant weaving and dodging to the uninformed may look like intellectual debate and positioning, but to those who really understand the ways of the snake will see it as what it is twisted distortions.

According to Chinese Astrology, the Year of the Snake person is a smart person. They think of clever schemes in a cold calculating way. They are always maneuvering to advance those schemes. Like a river that twists and winds its way through a canyon, the snake will weave around any obstruction that restricts its path toward its goal. This Chinese zodiac animal sign represents people who are loners and use others to achieve their aims and goals.They present their goals as worthwhile for humanity be most are solely for the gain of the snake.

Because 2013 is the year of the snake it is possible, in all the cold, calculated, clever advancing the snake does, it may become arrogant in its own craftiness and become complacent. They might just drift along thinking it will happen – from business ventures to relationships to political success. Ignoring the pulse of society means problems could arise and blow up in their face.

Do not count on that however, since the snake has an uncanny ability to spot opportunities and exploit them to their benefit. This is why snakes are usually very wealthy and successful.

But I have a fear, that in some way, as Eve was tricked by the deceit of the snake, your minds may be turned away from their simple and holy love for Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (BBE)

The snake has a certain allure (sleek, sexy, powerful, hint of danger) to some people – those people not put off by the dangers that snakes can have. Be careful that you are not overtaken by the snake’s supposed charm and charisma. These are disarming characteristics of the snake which want is to overcome opposition. The snake is not your friend and as such should be approached with caution and skepticism.

How best do you deal with the snakes in society? The only sure-fire way to end the advancement of the evil schemes of the snake is to crush them. Expose every crooked deal, and expose every lie to the knowledge of the truth. Take the straight and narrow path and do not allow yourself to drawn into a verbal debate with the serpent who has proven himself to be far craftier then your average person. Immerse yourself in the love of God and surround yourself with the gospel of the truth of God’s word. Only through the light of the scriptures and the illumination of the Holy Spirit‘s guidance will you be able to avoid the deceptions of that ancient serpent.

Although 2013 is supposed to be the year of the snake 2015 is to be the year of the sheep. Take heart, and do not grew weary in doing well. God knows how to deliver His people from the snares of the fowlers and the lying schemes of the snakes.