Spiritual Warfare

and

How to Don The Armor Of God

 

Forward

We’ve all heard of Spiritual Warfare.  Many believe it is just another Fairy Tale concocted by the overactive imaginations of Hard Core, Right Wing Christians trying to scare people into sending all their money to some half-baked plan to feed Africa.  Actually, most people believe God is a fairy tale just like Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny, concocted by the overactive imaginations of Hard Core, Right Wing Christians.

You do not have to believe in Spiritual Warfare.  You do not have to believe in God, but one day, we will all stand before Him (Our Maker) and give an account of our lives.  Actually, the spirit world (here, I am referring to the unclean spirits) would really rather you didn’t believe in them.  This way as they influence your life, you will be oblivious to them and they will not have to deal with your panicked plea to God for help.  Their encroachment into your life could be disturbed should God decide to shine on you for a moment in your tearful plea to Him for help.

Although they might be set back for a short-lived moment, at this point they have probably buried you deeply in some form of societal quicksand like drugs, gambling, pornography or another sex-based, self-destructive and sinful lifestyle.

You must understand that the unholy use things which you see as beautiful, fun, amazing or otherwise, just feels good.  How nice that your wife’s younger, rather cute sister finds you attractive and the stories she’s been told about your kinky behavior in the bedroom intrigues her just enough to want to find out.  What’s it going to hurt to go to that old strip bar again; besides, you’re just going to look!!?  Oh, just one more pull on that slot machine handle, it’s only money anyway.  Hey I’ve smoked pot before and it never hurt me, why not try something a little harder?  Hey, I’ve been drinking for years and I still believe in God.

Does this sound familiar?  Did it make your heart sink a little as you read the lines?  If it did, you’re not alone.  We all are subjected to temptation almost everyday.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven down the street and this cute young girl is jogging along in an outfit that belongs in the bedroom.  Was it hard to not look???  It was hard to stay on the road!!

If you ask The Lord, He will be your guidepost.  He will tell you in your heart that this is wrong for you to do.  This is the best time to ask Him for forgiveness and strength to withstand this temptation.

The same goes for anger.  You think it is okay to bash your coworker back after he has insulted or harassed you.  How about the day you want to scream at that motorist (you know, the one you want to stamp with a “Stupid Sticker”) with your car horn (it’s an extension of your anger) or find yourself, at the least, irked by his NASCAR antics on the road?  What happened to “Love one another, just as I have loved you” (you can find that in John 15:12, but check out Matthew 5:44, Matthew 19:19, Mark 12:31, Luke 6:27, Luke 6:35 and John 13:34 just to name a few)?  It’s easy to love one who loves you, but love that one who hates and despises you.  Pray for them with all your heart and forgive them for their wrongdoing toward you.  Remember, Satan could have a hold on that person and if you leave him at that, he will die a spiritual death.

1 Peter 5:8

⁸  Be of sober spirit,  be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

All things said, the spiritual world is out there, like it or not.  I hope my discussion on Spiritual Warfare will help you fight your way through the web of unseen battles for your soul and claim to The Kingdom Of God. 

Reverend David L. Halford