You are in a War!

Several years ago a group of scholars studied the history of war and peace. What they came up with was quite shocking. “Since 3600 B.C., the world has known only 292 years of peace! During this period there have been 14,351 wars large and small, in which 3.64 billion people have been killed.” That would be about one half of the current world’s population. With war comes obvious destruction. The researchers also pointed out that the “value of the property destroyed is equal to a golden belt around the world 97.2 miles wide and 33 feet thick. Since 650 B.C., there have also been 1,656 arms races, only 16 of which have not ended in war. The remainder ended in the economic collapse of the countries involved.” Obviously war brings about destruction, loss of life, and loss of property. Though sometimes necessary the cost of war to society is truly immeasurable. 

Since we Christians understand that men and women are fallen in their nature and any thoughts of a Utopian peace is only wishful thinking, war will be something we will have to endure until Jesus comes back. Yet, there is another war that we will be personally involved in, and that is a spiritual war. The Apostle Paul made this point clear when he said, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms". (Eph. 6:12). There will be spiritual battles that we will fight on behalf of friends, family and church. We will also need to battle against the attacks of the enemy that he wages against us personally. The enemy intends harm and attempts to cause destruction in our lives. Fortunately, God has given the weapons of his Word and prayer to wage war against the enemy. We do not have to live in despair. We can have peace and joy in Christ. Be sure to stand against the enemy with the weapons God has given us!

 

Today in the Word, June 19, 1992.