“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.” Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

I sometimes try to imagine what goes on in the spiritual world while we’re going about our everyday lives. What’s happening behind the scenes as the devil and his cohorts plot and scheme against us as believers? Most of the times I envision a war, a fierce battle in which the opponent already knows he’s lost but continues to throw everything he has at the enemy anyway. But is it really a war when only one side is fighting? Or would that be more the equivalent of a beat down?

You can agree that we’re no longer living in the “Gimme that old time religion” days of our parents and grandparents; and though being a Christian wasn’t a picnic back then, it seems as though we’re fighting against the enemy even harder than we had to before. Satan knows that his days are numbered, he knows that Jesus’ return is soon, and his aim is to wreak as much havoc upon the earth as he can before that day comes.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to sit around and be a punching bag for him and his minions. As believers, we have to fight back. We have to pick up our spiritual weapons and fight with everything we have in us. Yes, the battle’s already won, but we still have to fight. For our sons and daughters, for our country and the lost who don’t know Christ. Fight for the oppressed, the downtrodden, the weak. Most of all, we need to fight for righteousness, that it prevails over all else; and that the Holy Spirit would prick the hearts and consciousness of men and women everywhere, drawing them to Him.

You might say this is merely wishful thinking. You’re probably thinking to yourself. “Have you seen the state of the world lately?” Believe me I know. People are miserable, disillusioned, hardhearted, skeptical, the list goes on. But didn’t the Bible already give us a heads up about this in the book of Timothy?

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. ² For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3: 1-5? (NLT)

Sounds like anything we’re seeing today? In almost every way it does. But these verses were not placed there to scare us, nor were they given so we’d become weary or disheartened. They were given so we’d be alert and not get caught unawares; that we’d see the enemy behind the smokescreen and gear up for battle. Can you imagine a soldier going into battle unprepared? Fumbling around and not quite knowing where the enemy is, leaving important weapons behind that he needs to defend himself. That would be an enemy’s dream wouldn’t it? Just like it would be for our spiritual enemy if we grow careless and complacent in our fight against him.

The devil never rests. He never gives his minions the day off so we can catch our breath as Christians. No Siree, he comes after us 24/7, and we need to go up against him toe to toe, round for round. Our motivation? Who and what we’re fighting for. Just the thought of our family and friends spending eternity in hell without Christ should be enough to keep us fighting and praying every, single, day.

So let us rise up today in spiritual indignation and fight for everything and everyone that matters to us. Let us put on the armor of God, all of it, not just the parts we think we might need. Let us take up our swords and shields, put on our breastplates and helmets, tighten the belt of truth around our waists, slip on those shoes shod with the gospel of peace, and let us fight!

 “...Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14 (NIV)

“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. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6: 13-18 (NLT)