Subtle or Not So Subtle
“Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts…” – C.S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. -Ephesians 6:10-13, ESV
Most people do not outright deny the supernatural. In fact, some have a keen interest in the para-normal and are fascinated by all manner of “crazy” activity that falls beyond the explainable. What most of us do not realize is that there is a good deal of supernatural activity in our day to day lives that we would hardly categorize as such. We see someone float or spin or have superhuman strength and we are sure that there is something demonic going on in their life (and there quite possibly is). Far more difficult to discern and far more common is the subtle sort of scheme that comes in our wrestling with spiritual darkness. Often, we are rendered ineffective in our struggle by compromise that feels inconsequential.
For instance, you are to walk with integrity and truth. A conversation takes place where you are tempted to fudge the truth just the tiniest bit as you share the details of your weekend activities. It doesn’t feel like a big deal but, as soon as we speak the half-truth, we give away ground in our spiritual struggle. When we speak and deal in truth, we are firmly inside of what Jesus wants for us and so, His empowering and goodness undergirds us. When we lie, we allow the darkness influence in that area of our life.
Do you forgive or hold a grudge? Do you serve in love or languish in laziness? Do you obey your parent or choose rebellion? Do you entertain that lustful thought or make it obedient to Christ? Obedience to what God wants will further strengthen you in His mighty power. Compromise will lead to spiritual weakness that gives the darkness influence in your life.
The great news is that any such compromise (big or small) that has found its way into our life is not irreversible despite what the darkness might whisper. The way back is repentance and submitting yourself afresh to God in that particular area. When we confess our sin, repent and commit ourselves to God, the spiritual darkness loses all influence in our lives.
You and I don’t need to fear the darkness- it has been defeated by Jesus. But, the enemy is not yet vanquished so we must be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Don’t give any influence to the darkness- subtle or not so subtle. Submit yourself to God, resist the devil (and all his schemes) and after you’ve done everything- stand. After all, spiritual warfare is not for the spiritual elites, it’s for the spiritually alive.
For introspection: Is there an area of your life were you’ve given the darkness influence? Consider having someone pray with you for that specific area.
For WEDnesday Discussion:
When is it most difficult to remember that your struggle is not against flesh and blood? How do you keep focused on where the real battle is?
You sit with Jesus in victory over all spiritual darkness (Eph. 2:6). When you feel defeated, what are the best ways to remind yourself that, in Jesus, you have victory?
Stealth is most often how the spiritual darkness works. What are key ways for you to identify the schemes of the devil? How helpful are other brothers and sisters in this process?
Remembering that the armor of God is more like a spiritual exoskeleton than a set of accessories is helpful. Still, the call is to put on the armor. How will you remember to use the armor of God in the struggle to stand firm?
Further resources
· Steps to Freedom in Christ, Neil T. Anderson (a step-by-step guide to praying through areas of influence were spiritual darkness may have invaded.)
· Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis (Lewis writes imaginary correspondence from a demon underling to his superior officer. Though somewhat dated, it gives an amazing glimpse “behind enemy lines” as it were and equips us well for the struggle.)