You live in a war zone and so do I. What is the motivation for the war and where is its’ source? Scripture reveals the answers to us. The “motivation” is this: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:10. The “source,” “For 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 the evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12.
With so much unrest in our world today and suffering inflicted by the hands of human beings upon other human beings, it is easy to mistake the identity of our enemy. To be sure, humanity is certainly capable of carrying out some of the most horrific acts, but the origin for these acts is “not flesh and blood…”. A battle is taking place all around us. If our physical eyes could see what is happening in the spiritual realm, we would have no need for combat video games or movie thrillers to feed our appetite for action. When we witness global wars, murders, broken marriages and families, child abuse and the list goes on and on, we see only the result of Satan and his army, fighting for the souls of men and women, and he appears to be winning. If Satan winning is what you see, however, then let’s put on our spiritual 3D “glasses” for the truth.
As in any war, conflict arises, and we have to choose on which side of the conflict our values align. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV. Every heinous act played out in this world is the result of someone choosing to do the work of the enemy, our enemy. Every good deed and loving act are the product of someone deciding to seek the heart and mind of Christ. Remaining neutral is not an option.
The battlefield begins in the mind where thoughts originate before they are acted out. The Scripture from Ephesians 6, tells us to “Put on the full armor of God.” Battle armor serves two purposes; defensive protection and offensive power. As Christians, I fear we, more often than not, employ only the defensive mechanism and back up rather than advance with confidence. In Christ Jesus, you and I are mighty warriors! To put on the FULL armor of God is to take on the characteristics of Jesus. “Truth…righteousness…peace…faith…salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And prayer…”
“Mighty warrior,” Yes, I’m talking to YOU! Are you ready for the battle that is sure to come your way, today and every day? Remember, while the fight on earth rages on for a time, Jesus has already won the war for eternity!! He said from the cross, “It is finished.” John 19:30.
Sherry Sharp
P.O. Box 4233
Richmond, VA 23242
804-327-0710 ext. 6