SPIRITUAL WARFARE

In the Bahamas last week, a tour boat witnessed a dog jumping into the ocean after a hammerhead shark. On land, I think we know who the winner would be. But in the sea? That dog would be no match for the 12- foot predator.

Fortunately for this dog, the shark lost interest and slowly swam away. Had it been hungry, or even slightly annoyed, the black and tan canine would have become mincemeat.

That’s the warning that Paul gives to Christians who are eager to wage cultural warfare. In Ephesians 6:12, he says, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Ultimately, our greatest battle is a spiritual one. And in and of ourselves, we are as powerless against demonic forces as a dog fighting a shark in the open sea. When it comes to spiritual warfare, we are out of our element and out of our league. And that’s why Paul followed verse 12 with…

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground" (Ephesians 6:13 NIV).

I find it odd when I hear Christians pray things like, “Satan, we bind you…” Or Christians attempting to cast out demons and otherwise wage war against the forces of evil, like we have any power whatsoever to do that. We ourselves are powerless against evil spiritual forces.

Instead, Paul tells us to take refuge in God’s protection, what he calls, “The Armor of God” in verses 14-17:

• The Belt of Truth – Knowing, believing and practicing God’s principles

• The Breastplate of Righteousness – Living the values that protect our vital organs (our lives)

• The Shoes of the Gospel – Good news of Jesus that brings peace

• The Shield of Faith – Believing God’s sovereignty and care at all times

• The Helmet of Salvation – Knowing we are saved because of Jesus’ death and resurrection

• The Sword of the Spirit – Trusting and proclaiming God’s Word

There is a very real spiritual battle waging around us. Some day it will be as real to us as this physical world is today. The prize of this spiritual battle is not temporary societal control, but the eternal souls of people. That’s what matters most in the long run. Let’s make sure we have our armor on and that we are fighting for what will really matter in eternity.