SCORE!
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood, but against the depotisms, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly sphere.
~Ephesians 6:12
It is easy to dismiss the forces at work around us each day. We're taught to be rational and reasonable. We're told monsters under the bed do not exist, and spooks only come out on Halloween.
But if we're bible believing Christians, our entire faith is based on what we can't see. Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear a battle rages around us and we're at a disadvantage if we don't acknowledge it's existence.
C.S. Lewis likens the earth to "Enemy-occupied territory...". In Mere Christianity, he says that "Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage." In her book, "Battlefield of the Mind," Joyce Meyer makes a convincing argument that the majority of the battle takes place in our minds.
I tend to imagine an intense video game, the wicked forces hard at work to kill, steal and destroy. Their main access to us is through our thoughts. We all know when it comes to right and wrong, there is a struggle that takes place within us before we succumb to the temptation. If we falter, if we knowingly take the wrong path and make the choice to be disobedient, score one for the wicked.
If we 'put on the armor of God' as instructed in the next verse, and stand strong to overcome the temptation, score one for the Holy Spirit. The thing to remember though, is that God has already won. He doesn't need our obedience for His sake, He desires it for our sake. Our obedience, our 'point' ensures we share in His victory.
God is on our side, rooting for us, and obedience is our magic weapon. I like to think that when we give thanks even in the midst of the fiercest battle, we score bonus points. It is made clear there will be rewards in eternity and Jesus does tell us to 'store up in treasure in heaven'.
When we choose to throw a wave rather than a finger during a moment of traffic stress, when we count to ten before we yell at little Johnny for spilling the milk, when we walk away from co-worker gossip, when we perform the work before us with a good attitude, no matter what the work may be, no matter how crazy the atmosphere -- every action for for good is a victory. Score!
In the midst of the dark times, when we're battling pain, illness, and even death, it is important that we draw closer to Christ and His word, not further from Him. He will carry us through the battlefield. We are 'more than conquerers' in Christ'.
We are told that in this life 'we will have tribulation'. In Isaiah 41:10 He promises to 'strengthen and harden us to difficulties'. Why are we planted here right in the midst of the battle? I've no idea, but If we are sealed with the Spirit of God, nothing can touch us that God does not allow. If He allows it, we can be assured there is a purpose.
We may never understand while we're here on the battlefield, but one day we will see clearly. It makes it much easier when we keep in mind that this is but a brief moment in eternity, this is our temporary home. 1 Corinthians 2:9 assures us that 'eye has not seen and ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.'
~Ephesians 6:12
It is easy to dismiss the forces at work around us each day. We're taught to be rational and reasonable. We're told monsters under the bed do not exist, and spooks only come out on Halloween.
But if we're bible believing Christians, our entire faith is based on what we can't see. Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear a battle rages around us and we're at a disadvantage if we don't acknowledge it's existence.
C.S. Lewis likens the earth to "Enemy-occupied territory...". In Mere Christianity, he says that "Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage." In her book, "Battlefield of the Mind," Joyce Meyer makes a convincing argument that the majority of the battle takes place in our minds.
I tend to imagine an intense video game, the wicked forces hard at work to kill, steal and destroy. Their main access to us is through our thoughts. We all know when it comes to right and wrong, there is a struggle that takes place within us before we succumb to the temptation. If we falter, if we knowingly take the wrong path and make the choice to be disobedient, score one for the wicked.
If we 'put on the armor of God' as instructed in the next verse, and stand strong to overcome the temptation, score one for the Holy Spirit. The thing to remember though, is that God has already won. He doesn't need our obedience for His sake, He desires it for our sake. Our obedience, our 'point' ensures we share in His victory.
God is on our side, rooting for us, and obedience is our magic weapon. I like to think that when we give thanks even in the midst of the fiercest battle, we score bonus points. It is made clear there will be rewards in eternity and Jesus does tell us to 'store up in treasure in heaven'.
When we choose to throw a wave rather than a finger during a moment of traffic stress, when we count to ten before we yell at little Johnny for spilling the milk, when we walk away from co-worker gossip, when we perform the work before us with a good attitude, no matter what the work may be, no matter how crazy the atmosphere -- every action for for good is a victory. Score!
In the midst of the dark times, when we're battling pain, illness, and even death, it is important that we draw closer to Christ and His word, not further from Him. He will carry us through the battlefield. We are 'more than conquerers' in Christ'.
We are told that in this life 'we will have tribulation'. In Isaiah 41:10 He promises to 'strengthen and harden us to difficulties'. Why are we planted here right in the midst of the battle? I've no idea, but If we are sealed with the Spirit of God, nothing can touch us that God does not allow. If He allows it, we can be assured there is a purpose.
We may never understand while we're here on the battlefield, but one day we will see clearly. It makes it much easier when we keep in mind that this is but a brief moment in eternity, this is our temporary home. 1 Corinthians 2:9 assures us that 'eye has not seen and ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.'
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