They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation. 12:11 NIV)
It all started in a garden. It began with a question. Remember? “Did God really say…?” It has continued now for millennia and gives no evidence of letting up anytime soon. It affects you every day whether you are aware of it or not. And, truth be told, you are on one side of it or another. You cannot be neutral.
Of course, you know that I am talking about spiritual warfare – that incessant, often invisible, and seemingly ubiquitous struggle that hits you and me right between the eyes every morning.
It begins for you, as it did for Eve, with a question:
“Do I really have time to read God’s word this morning?”
“Do I really need to pray since God knows all about my needs anyway?”
“Do I really need to walk out of the break room at work when the vulgar stories begin, which makes me look like a Bible-thumping dork?”
These and a myriad of other choices and actions are strategic maneuvers in the battle for your soul. The problem is, often we don’t think we’re in a war at all. Oh, we’re in the Lord’s army alright, but, we’re not on the front lines! We’re not in combat! We’re behind the lines, right? I served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve, but I certainly never saw combat. They issued me a typewriter (think “Radar”). So, we can be like that in our spiritual battle, can’t we?
Make no mistake: When it comes to spiritual warfare – the front line is wherever you are. There is no hiding from the enemy. But there is ARMOR (Ephesians 6). We can withstand the fiery darts that are hurled our way every day if we are adequately equipped. The problem is, unlike the American Express card, we sometimes leave home without it. We are vulnerable and, if we are honest, we even aid and abet the enemy in our weakest moments.
Worse, there are specific actions that serve to throw open the gateway to your heart and allow the enemy to walk right in. Viewing pornography would be one of those actions. Don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying that, if you are a faithful follower of Jesus Christ – a blood-bought, born from above believer, you can be indwelt by the enemy. The Holy Spirit and demonic influence cannot occupy the same vessel. However, do I really need to cite examples of spiritual leaders whose ministries, testimonies, marriages, and families have been destroyed by becoming a casualty in this war?
Bottom line: Stop making it easy for the enemy! Put your armor on! Remember who your Commander is! Wield your sword (God’s word) with authority! Hold your shield (faith) high! Defeat the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony! And, look forward to the banquet of the victors!
Dan