Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 6:12-13.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
I think the most difficult part of this passage is the fact that other people are not our spiritual enemies. It is easy for us to see those in the grip of evil as the cause of all the world’s problems. Evil will use whatever opportunity it can find to oppose God’s plan.
We are attacked because God loves us so much and we are made in His image. Evil hates love and truth, the very essence of God and will do whatever it can to disrupt His beautiful creation. It thrives on chaos; God desires order.
Evil wants us to live in fear and suspense while God provides security and comfort. Only by putting on the “full armor of God” as Paul teaches can we be victors with Christ against “the mighty powers of the dark world”. By placing our trust in Jesus and resisting evil through love we can “still be standing firm” when He comes to take us home.
Loving Lord, we are sorry that we allowed evil into the world and give it such a prominent place in our lives. Forgive us and bless us to be part of what You doing, now and in eternity. Amen.
