Mind & Spirit
Mind & Spirit
S. W. A. T.
Spiritual Warfare Advanced Training
By Moze Simanjuntak
I’ m sure we’ ve all heard of Sunday School stories
depicting a Christian bearing an arsenal of weapon symbolizing Christ-like characteristics. Blades of truth that destroy evil. Shields of faith that repel temptation. As a kid, I loved the idea of holy knights and guardian angels battling dark fiends and false prophets. These symbols made everything look like an awesome fight between two supernatural beings, with God guaranteed as a victor.
But are we, His army, ready for it? The thing is, without trust or faith in God we are completely at the mercy of the devil. Alone, we have no weapon, no shield, and are easily overcome with sin. Without Jesus’ help, the fight would be one-sided.“ For the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God”( 2 Cor. 10:3-5). One does not simply conjure a divine rapier out of nothing. Only God can do that. Only He can provide you with the armaments you need to overcome the enemy.
God provides the weapon, but the Bible shows you how to use it. When was the last time you read the Bible? If it’ s more than a week ago, spare some time and leaf through a couple of chapters. Don’ t procrastinate and read it thoroughly. Even if you have finished it, read it again. It’ s a big book, the most famous and the most important one in the world. I find that when I read a passage I’ ve seen before, I find new, deeper meaning, more instructions and inspiration to be more Christ-like.
Prayer and praise are two mighty spiritual weapons! The next time you sing, sing with all your heart to praise God. Don’ t go to church simply because you feel obliged, or because your parents are Christian and it’ s what you’ re supposed to do. Go to glorify God and to strengthen your faith. Pray not only for your own family and friends, but for people you don’ t like, as well. Don’ t ask God to change others, ask Him to change you.
The Bible says that Satan is“ like a prowling lion, ready to pounce on the unwary.” He won’ t show up looking ugly and demonic. He would show up handsome, beautiful, smart, persuasive, righteous and perfect. He would lie hidden in gorgeous women, tempting drugs, blissful cigarettes and mind-blunting drinks. Rely on God to give you the radiance you need to burn away the devil’ s glamour and slay him.
Are you aware? Are you ready? Because the devil is, and he won’ t stop tempting and deceiving you until your soul is added into his collection.
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