It is easy to get distracted by the things of this world that are going on around us. One does not have to look too far to see that there are many things that are worth some attention. The state of morality is definitely declining. We are living in an age where good is being called evil, and evil is being accepted as good. There is uncertainty in the financial world, as a collapse seems imminent, one wonders about the timing.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:11 to "put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Wiles, (Grk; methodeia), are schemes that are intended to deceive and/or ensnare. It would seem that one of the enemy's schemes is to distract God's people into focusing so much on what is happening in the natural world, that they (we) begin to fear the possibilities of fallout; to the extent that the battle begins, and is fought in the natural realm. Ephesians 6 continues in verse 12 with "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." The battle against the wiles is definitely a spiritual one, and should be fought in the realm of the spirit.
When we ignore the spiritual nature of our battles, it will often result in fear. Fear of the enemy's potential, fear of his influence, or fear of the effects of both, can lead to becoming distracted to the point of falling into his traps. Traps are hidden and meant to ensnare, keeping us distracted by the natural things. One of his biggest traps is to distract us from doing battle where it matters most, in the realm of the spirit... in prayer! The precaution to take in avoiding his wiles involves the armor of God. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Eph.6:13).
This does not mean that believer's should lie down and remain silent. It does mean that when we stand and speak, it should line up with the realm of the spirit, being led by His Spirit. Does it contain any evidence of faith, hope, and love? Is the fruit of the Spirit evident when we move and/or speak? If not, we must begin to question God's role in what we do and say, and what role He will take in our battles.
"When we ignore the spiritual nature of our battles, it will often result in fear."
I fight the urge to move in fear, out of love for my family and friends. I do not want to see my children suffer from the world that a depraved society threatens to deliver them. I do not want to see my friends suffer either; whether it be from financial struggles, torment, or persecution from an increasingly godless world. I do realize; however, that when I succumb to these fears, the enemy wins that particular battle. I am, and will continue, fighting the battle in the spirit to the best that I know how; in prayer.
Prayer to God and the proclamation of His Word leads to spiritual victory over the wiles! It is vital that we win these battles in the realm of the spirit before we can effectively know the proper strategies for carrying out His plan for victory in the natural world. It is difficult to act in accordance with what the Father wants when we are focused on carnal endeavors, or don't even ask Him what He wants.
Our weapon of choice should be "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (v.17)" When I fall into the snare of fears, "I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:2). I will attempt to fight these snares by proclaiming, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2Timothy 1:7). I will, in His strength, gain comfort in knowing "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56:4
Remember that "the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Even as you fight the wiles.
Hope this helps,
PC
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