The Rules of Engagement

Weapons of Mass Destruction

a person who is skilled in this behavior will avoid any overt display of aggres sion while simultaneously intimidating, bamboozling, and cajoling or coercing others into giving them what they want. Covert activities are most often the vehicle used for interpersonal manipulation. Insecure people or people with power are prime targets for satanic manipulations. In the first instance, Satan wants insecure people to feel more powerless, and in the second instance, Satan wants to usurp power from the powerful. Types of manipulation include:

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Verbal: innuendo, fear, name-calling, flattery, rationalization, avoidance, nagging, crying, screaming Relational: whining, coercion, ultimatums, bullying, victimiza tion Social: propaganda, media and printed materials, half-truths, white lies, false advertisement, covert oppression/control M aterialism

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Materialism is the theory or doctrine that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life. The following terms and phrases best describe and define materialism : wealth seeking; prefers extravagance and opulence; self-centered; self-seeking; superficial; believes the bigger the paycheck, the more important the person; competitive; selfish; preoccupied with money; sense of entitle ment; pride; comparison; competitive; image is everything; seeks status and power relative to peers/colleagues; will marry for money; cost equates with value; looks down their nose at others; prejudiced opinions; disdains financial insecurity; avoids losing status and control; looking good is more important than comfort; believes in success through appearances; status-seeking; buys status symbols; second place is not good enough; manipulative; has a need for applause; center of attention; not generous; loves to win awards; does things primarily for own benefit; gets angry when they don’t get what they want; used to getting their way; prefers instant gratification. (See Mark 8:36.)

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