Look at the world around you. What do you see it? Many people take the world at face value. They believe that what they see accurately reflects reality. They don’t believe a world of the spirit exists with real consequences.
Those of us who believe such a world exists don’t take the world at face value. We see what we see. But we know that what we see is not the total picture because we acknowledge the reality of the spiritual realm. The more attuned we are to the spiritual realm the more accurate our assessment of our world will be.
The Powers That Be
Paul the apostle reminds us that our real fight exists in the spiritual realm. He writes, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NASB).
This verse underscores the reality of the spiritual realm. The spiritual entities of darkness mentioned are what we are fighting against. These spiritual forces are the reason our world is not as it appears.
Take the United States, for instance. We call it the land of opportunity. That’s why immigrants constantly storm our borders in droves wanting to come here. But at the same time, we are plagued by an opioid epidemic, rising teenage suicide and suicide attempts, horrific mass murders, political dysfunction, etc.
These things, however, are not our problem, really. They are simply symptoms of the real problem. They are manifestations of the powers of darkness among us.
America will always lose the battle against these societal ills. Why? Because too many of our leaders in government and law enforcement deny the reality of the spiritual realm. Accordingly, they wage war against the symptoms and not the real problem. This approach will always be to no avail.
The Devil at Work
Even as you read this post, demonic forces are viciously working in the spirit realm. Though we can’t see them, they are very real. Their assaults are aimed at Christians and unbelievers. Consider these biblical declarations:
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NASB).
“The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ….” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
The devil is the prince of the power of the air, “the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).
Brothers and Sisters, this is the world of the spirit we must contend with. The Scriptures confirm it to be real and vicious. One’s denial does not negate this reality.
How Shall We Respond?
First and foremost, those of us who are in Christ need not fear the spiritual realm. One, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4, KJV). Hence, the devil cannot exercise control over our life as he does over the life of unbelievers.
Two, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16). We can’t literally see what’s happening in the world of the spirit. But if God were to open our eyes as He did for Elisha’s servant, we would be amazed at the awesome heavenly army fighting on our behalf!
So, how shall we respond?
1. Put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
2. Be ambassadors for Christ seeking to reconcile the lost to God (2 Corinthians 5:20)
3. Live life boldly knowing that in all things we are more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37).
Copyright © 2024 by Frank King. All rights reserved.
