Resisting Evil

[I have not been posting on this blog much lately because I am guest posting over at algonaumc.org. Here is an example of the kinds of posts I'm making over there, feel free to check it out!]

http://www.algonaumc.org/devotional/

^{Ephesians 6:11-12, "}Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

You don't have to look far to see examples of evil in our world. Turn on the evening news or search the internet and you will find countless stories of pain and suffering. Praise God that in the face of such brokenness, He gives us a reason to hope, by giving us new life and inviting us into a restored relationship with Him.

So how do we resist evil in the world? First, realize that the devil does exist and will try to tempt you. The Bible describes the devil, demons, and demonic forces. We don't need to get obsessed over this fact, just aware of it. As C.S. Lewis shares, "There are two equal and opposite errors into which we can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence; the other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors."

Second, remember that no amount of effort by the demons will ever, or can ever, take away your salvation. If you have placed your trust in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ then your sins are forgiven for all eternity. So while spiritual warfare most certainly exists, we can feel secure in our salvation and confidently proclaim the protections of our King.

Third, we have the support of our Christian brothers and sisters. When our friends share about their experiences we hear evidence of the devil's accusations but we also hear how God strengthens us against those temptations. Fellow believers speak truth, offer encouragement, and lovingly provide well-timed rebukes.

Allow your prayer today to recognize the realities of spiritual warfare. Is there a part of your life that the devil is trying to attack, perhaps? Do you feel comfortable mocking the devil when you consider how God is our perfect strength and protection? What steps could you take to equipping more spiritual armor, as described in Ephesians 6?