Behind the Scenes
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12
Read Ephesians 5:11-20
The media uses various methods to persuade us that only the things that
can be seen, touched and felt really count. They say that real truth exists
only in a tangible form and is evidenced by science that can be proven. However,
the Bible teaches us something very different. It tells us that things
are happening behind the scenes. Spiritual powers exert their influence,
which you are not able to define or measure. One of the subtlest tricks of
the devil is to make men believe that he does not exist. Yet there are evil,
spiritual powers at work. Our age can be characterized by certain powers
that control the world. They infiltrate our thought processes and influence
the actions of mankind, thereby defining our culture and morals.
Take for example, the influence of money. Because of greed, mankind readily
commits immoral actions such as fraud, lying and even murder. Therefore,
our spiritual warfare needs to be directed against the powers of evil.
This struggle is not so much waged against individuals as it is against their
ideology. To fight this evil force, we must unmask it for what it is. We are
influenced much more by the spirit of our times than we are aware. But
those who have been renewed and made subjects of the Lord can no longer
call ‘good’ what God calls ‘evil’.
It is a very serious matter when the fight against the powers of evil is lacking
in our lives. On whose side do you stand? Is it not high time to take a position?
Should you not do so today, both in word and in practice?
Thought: With the Bible close at hand, you will never stand alone, even
though you may sometimes feel alone.
Psalter 201:2,4,6 (based on Psalm 73)
The wicked are prospered and firm in their strength,
No pangs do they suffer, though death come at length;
They are not in trouble as other men are,
The plagues of their fellows they view from afar.
Despising God’s people, they cause them to drain
The cup of oppression, injustice, and pain;
They question God’s knowledge and boldly defy
The might and the justice of God the Most High.
I went to God’s temple; my doubts were dispelled,
The end of life’s journey I clearly beheld;
I saw in what peril ungodly men stand
With sudden destruction and ruin at hand.
