The War Around Us
“[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] 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. [13] 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
Turmoil and suffering in global conflicts, incredible inflation, and corrupt bureaucratic institutions; it can sure seem like the world is crashing in around us sometimes. Yet, these kinds of events shouldn’t surprise us: the Bible tells us that we live in a present evil world (Gal 1:4, Eph 5:16). Evil happens all around us every day and our distraction with vanity keeps us from seeing it. Sin is not a new problem.
Even though we live in uncertain times, let us not forget there is a war around us that is far more important than anything we see with our eyes. The war that rages around us affects every single person on this earth. If you think you’re an exception, you’ve already fallen for Satan’s deception (Rom 14:13, 1Co 10:12, Eph 6:11, 1Ti 3:6, 6:9).
The real war around us concerns Satan and his ministers of righteousness twisting truth to lead the world (and Christians) astray (2Co 2:11, 4:4, 11:3-4, 13-15, 2Th 2:9-11). People die and go to hell every single day and we have a responsibility as ministers of reconciliation to help others see the hope and salvation that is only found by trusting in Christ to pay for your sins without works (2Co 5:17-21). This battle is far more important than any other.
While events that happen in the world may affect us and cause circumstantial changes, we can rest in the fact that no matter what happens to our flesh, we have peace with God through the gospel of grace and have an opportunity to serve him while there is still breath in our lungs (Rom 5:1). Our purpose as ambassadors of his grace remains constant no matter what happens.
To live is Christ and to die is gain (Php 1:21). Every day we have left on this earth is another chance to see souls saved and saints edified. Let us not squander the opportunity we have left worrying about the things of the earth, but rather, set our affections on things above (Col 3:2). Don’t sit on the spiritual sidelines through the distractions of the world. Put on the armor of God so that you can stand and fight! (Eph 6:10-13)
