The Enemy Within
Recent events within our nation should cause us to think more about what the reaction of God’s people should be. Our enemy is within. Our nation, along with others, is being destroyed by our own hands. Our citizens are voting for people who openly avow to destroy the underlying principles upon which this nation stands.
We know we cannot stop what is happening in the world at large. God is orchestrating an end-time scenario, and we have not been called to fight against its decay – except at a personal level.
So, what are we supposed to do?
Obviously, our response will have spiritual qualities and in this regard, the Apostle Paul provides strong guidelines:
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Godly wisdom allows us to know and understand that we do not wrestle against other humans. Our enemy is a very real spirit world led by Satan, the god of this world.
With this in mind, Paul admonishes us to take up the whole armor of God. In doing this he assures us that we will be able to withstand attacks from this source in these evil days and remain spiritually firm and strong.
The whole armor consists of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17). Very familiar scriptures which can be easily read without fully comprehending the power contained in them. Paul basically summarizes what should be reflected in our daily lives. These specific qualities will provide the power of His might to enable us to stand against the schemes and plans of Satan. They should be considered with all seriousness.
Satan knows that his most effective work is done from within, as the writers of the New Testament acknowledged. For example:
“… even as there will be false teachers among you … by covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words …” (2 Peter 2:1-3).
“These things I have written to you concerning those who try to lead you astray” (1 John 2:26).
As we watch our nations being hollowed out from within, don’t be distracted from Satan’s more important deadly work – that of destroying God’s potential family from the inside, an individual at a time.
God is well aware of Satan’s methods and has provided us with what we need to stand against our adversary.
Take the time to study in depth what constitutes the whole armor of God and in the process, make sure you are wearing it.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).
Brian Orchard
