2 Corinthians 10; 2 Kings 23:36-24:20; Habakkuk 1

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NKJV) 

One of the most amazing things about Paul’s discussion with the Corinthian Church was his need to defend his own apostleship to them. People who came after Paul to fleece..er…build the church may have been more eloquent, they commanded greater offerings, perhaps they were even more attractive as physical specimens. Paul was accused of being weak and of having strong words in his letters, but not being so imposing when people met him in person. Paul reminded them not only of his apostleship, he reminded them of the battle they faced. We don’t war according to the flesh. We’re in a spiritual battle. Our enemies are not those we can see, they are the spiritual forces of wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12) The most effective weapons we can wield in this war are not related to our physical prowess or even greatest technological advances in weaponry; our most effective weapons spring from our relationship with God.

As Christians, we need to remember our battle. We’re called to wage war against the devil and his demons. We aren’t at war against those of other religions – although we’re called to show them the love of God. We aren’t at war against “those sinners,” (meaning of course, the people whose sin is different from ours) – although we’re called to show them God’s forgiveness. If you can see, or touch, hear another person – we aren’t at war against them. We should see these people as potential allies in the war against the spiritual forces of wickedness. Some are trapped in the darkness of evil. Our job is to free them to see the light of Jesus. The greatest weapon we have in the battle against the forces of wickedness is a life that shows others the love of God. Good overcomes evil, when our “goodness” is based in our relationship with Jesus Christ. If you really want to prevail against the devil and those evil forces, live in obedience to Christ and show His love to others. That will work miracles.

Lord, remind me who the enemy isn’t as I go about my life each day. Help me to treat all people with Your love and grace. Make me a warrior against evil by helping me to live in obedience to You.