The Battle Belongs to the Lord

            If there is one word that best summarizes the end of the 20^th century and the beginning of the 21^st century it is conflict. There has been open conflict somewhere in our world almost constantly my whole life. Wars are destructive, political and divisive. Today, as in other times in our history, armed conflict has a religious overtone. The temptation for all of us is to take sides and blast away.

            The Bible gives us a very different perspective on the conflict so rampant in our world. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

            The real battle that we face is spiritual and not physical. It definitely has physical manifestations, but the root cause is not politics or ideology, but spiritual evil. Satan is a very real enemy. He had massed his spiritual forces to stand against Christ in the world. He is out to do as much damage as he possibly can. Peter tells us that he is a ferocious beast with an insatiable appetite. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

            The battle ground is not physical territory, but the lives of men and women and children. Satan cannot attack God directly, but he can attack God’s creation. He began his attack in the Garden of Eden, when he deceived Eve. He continues his attacks today. His ultimate goal is to destroy as many people as he can. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

            Jesus came into the world to turn the tide of the battle. When He willingly took the sin of the world on his shoulders and died on the cross, He defeated Satan. Satan’s main weapon is sin. Jesus disarmed sin at the cross. The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

            In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God so that we can take our stand against the Devil. So how are we to fight this battle? Paul tells us that we need to change our thinking about how we do battle. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV)

            Jesus told us to wage war in a radically different way. Instead of giving in to the way of hate, Jesus calls us to use the power of love. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV) Someone once said that the best way to destroy your enemy is to make him your friend. This does not mean that we compromise our faith for the sake of peace. It does mean that we are to show genuine love for others. We can do this because we have been loved beyond measure by Jesus. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:10-11 (NIV)

            Paul expands Jesus’ command to love our enemies in Romans 12. He gives us practical steps to take to disarm our enemies for the sake of Christ. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21 (NIV)

            We have been called to live radically different lives in our conflicted world. Our greatest weapon against the evil and destruction in our world is the love of Christ. This love needs to be demonstrated in practical, tangible ways. The world will not understand this, but if we are faithful, it will change our world. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)