December 23

Spiritual warfare is noble because it is just. It is all too true that most people join in political and military battles without ever knowing why. But there is no doubt about the cause of holy war-- it is against the only enemy God has who claims the right to rule His world. For this reason God calls all mankind-- some by the voice of natural conscience and others by the loud shout of His Word-- to join with Him "against the mighty" (Judges 5:23). He does this not because He needs our help but because He prefers to reward obedience rather than to punish rebellion.

This noble warfare is not only just, but it is also hard. Our stubborn enemy is strong and will do everything he can to try our skill to the limit. Cowards can never hope to overcome him. When sin loses ground it is only an inch at a time, and what it holds it will not easily let go.

Spiritual warfare against lust is enlistment for a lifetime career. If you have a daring, adventurous spirit, here is what you have been looking for. Fighting with men is child's play compared to repelling demons and lusts: "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32).

It is sad that many of world's finest swordsmen who courageously risked their lives for freedom have died slaves to sin. Hannibal, for example, enjoyed victory in foreign expeditions but was defeated in his own country. So too many of the bravest heroes, who have had great victories abroad, have been miserably beaten and trampled upon by their own personal corruptions.

But do not be afraid because your enemies are mighty and many; your victory will be so much greater. And do not worry, either, when you see Caesars stripped of their insignias and forced to die in chains of lust. Remember, it is only the unbelieving world-- without spiritual arms and abandoned by God-- that is left to become the prey of Satan.

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