Our enemy

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. – Ephesians 6.10-13

It is easy to get confused in these troublesome days. With all the ugliness and hatred going on it is easy for us to get caught up in it all and forget who our real enemy is. When we think of warfare and battles we think of violence and killing and maiming and hurting our enemy as much as we can. As Christians we can feel that we need to do the same thing. We think we can win the battle by being as ugly and mean and vicious and violent as the world. We insult and tear down and make fun of spew out hatred and vitriol against those we see as enemies – often only because they are political opponents.

But that’s crazy. We are always going to lose when we use those tactics because our fight is not about visible things. We may win and get people to act the way we want, but we lose because their hearts don’t change. Our warfare is not against flesh and blood. Our real enemy is the one who holds them captive and we can’t defeat him with those weapons.

I could write all day and not put is as well the Gettys do in their marvellous hymn ‘O Church Arise’ so it is. Enjoy. Be challenged. Be blessed. Be motivated.

O church, arise, and put your armour on;

Hear the call of Christ our captain.

For now the weak can say that they are strong

In the strength that God has given.

With shield of faith and belt of truth,

We'll stand against the devil's lies.

An army bold, whose battle cry is love,

Reaching out to those in darkness.

Our call to war, to love the captive soul,

But to rage against the captor;

And with the sword that makes the wounded whole,

We will fight with faith and valour.

When faced with trials on every side,

We know the outcome is secure.

And Christ will have the prize for which He died:

An inheritance of nations