It's War!

It's War!

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV 

Context and Charge:

Right from the very beginning, today's verse makes it clear we are in a war. No matter how comfortable you get, or how much you are able to amass,  never forget that this earthly phase is but warfare, and all who live in it must fight. Now, the rules of engagement may differ from person to person, but what is clear is that the principles of warfare are the same for everyone: all of us have to fight, and there are common enemies we all must face. Do you have this fact settled in your heart? It is the devil's skill in lying that makes us focus on human beings like ourselves; there is a whole new world of wickedness that I must pay attention to, if my life will make impact. 

Flesh and blood are very limited in their scope and effect. There is a spiritual dimension of wickedness that flesh and blood cannot comprehend. Even the spiritual dimension of wickedness again has levels and stages. Let it be known today that there is more to the things we see everyday. It is a big shame if all I live for is the physical and what I can get from it. My life was made for more, and the devil will do all he can to keep me distracted. I owe it to God and for all He has helped me with to keep my heart focused on what He wants me to know, so that when war comes, I am armed with the right tools to be able to stand well. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

I must have the clear understanding of what God expects from me. His Word here has made it clear what is coming, and only in Him are the materials that will guarantee success provided, if I can daily trust Him. This war is built into the Christian experience; I cannot negotiate my way out of it. Compromise is dangerous and comes with a price. For God to tell me also about this phase of warfare, it means He has already conquered these enemies. I only need to maintain the victory,  standing in it every day. There is no fence here, where I can get away with doing nothing or committing to nothing. My life wasn't built to be inconsequential. God's time of favour is here.