31 May Let’s Talk About the War

“The War.” At various points in U.S. history, people were talking about the war. From 1865 to 1917, when someone referred to “The War,” it was the Civil War. Then it was World War I. Then, for two decades after World War II, school children asked each other: “What did your dad do in the war?”  From 1966 to 1975, “The War” was in Vietnam. In each of these cases, all someone had to say was “The War,” and the person they were speaking to knew which war they meant. As I write this, Americans are again talking about “The War,” this one in Iran.

So, when I ask you: “How is the war going for you?” do you know to which war I am referring? There is a good chance you don’t. I’m talking about the war for the most precious six inches of real estate in the universe: the space between your ears. That’s right. You are in a daily war for your mind and your heart. Jesus identifies the enemy clearly in John, chapter 10:

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:10-11 (ESV)

The enemy comes to destroy with lies and temptation. Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. Satan’s greatest accomplishment in this war is convincing so many people he doesn’t exist. It’s hard to win a war when you don’t acknowledge that you have an enemy. The apostle Paul addresses the reality of the enemy in Ephesians 6:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV)

After identifying the threat, Paul details the defense system God provides for us:

13 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 (NIV)

So, how is the war going for you? Do you recognize your enemy and that he is very real? Do you avail yourself of the weaponry at your disposal courtesy of the blood of Christ? Yes, Jesus won the war over sin on the cross and when we accept His free gift of salvation, it cannot be taken away.

But this enemy is a sore loser, and he will do all he can to make you as ineffective for Jesus as he possibly can. So, take up the armor and let the power of the Spirit in you that raised Jesus from the grave fight this battle for you!

Pastor Jerry Bader