By David ReayMonday 8 Aug 2022LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (NLT)
In some circles, the whole idea of Christians being soldiers engaged in warfare is discouraged. It is seen as too violent or aggressive. Which doesn’t alter the fact that the Bible sees followers of Jesus being engaged in a battle. You don’t get urged to put on armour unless there is an enemy threatening you.
That enemy is not some other Christian with whom you have some disagreements. Or a particular sub group of our contemporary culture. Our enemy is ultimately the evil one who himself works through individuals and groups and corporations and governments. His aim is to dehumanise us. Our aim is to fight him with the weapons provided by our God.
C.S.Lewis once said there is no neutral ground in the entire universe. Each bit of the world is fought over by its creator and the original rebel against that creator. We are to be willing volunteers to fight on God’s side. Not as proud and arrogant people who figure they have all the answers. Not as those who despise those who oppose us. Not as imperialistic conquerors who enforce our views on others.
But we do have a fight on our hands. We will lose some of the battles we fight. We will be tempted to hoist the white flag on occasions. What keeps us going is that even as we win and lose some battles, the war has been well and truly won.
Blessings,
David