“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 NIV)

Notice that before we are told what our armament will be, we are told who we are at war against! This is because we can’t go to battle without having identified our enemy!

So often we hear about people who are fighting the wrong opponent. The problem is, many of us don’t realize that our opponents are not human, but they are spiritual forces! 

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there were some around the world who began persecuting the Chinese, even those born in their own countries, blaming them for the sickness and death that was ravaging the planet. Nationals of Chinese decent were spit upon, they had thigs thrown at them, they were called names, etc.

The problem is, these nationals of Chinese decent didn’t cause the pandemic to happen. Just because it started in their country doesn’t mean that the Chinese people are to blame! So why were they persecuted?

Because their persecutors were waging war against flesh and blood, rather than recognizing the truth of Eph 6:12, that our struggle is against spiritual forces!

Others people recognize that our opponent is spiritual in nature; however, they seem to miss the words, “against the spiritual forces of EVIL” in Eph. 6:12, because they actually turn against God Himself. After all, they say, since God could have stopped this, He is at fault! Those who accuse God are actually putting our Heavenly Father in the category as the devil himself!

I understand that this pandemic scared people. It scared me as well. It stole away thousands of lives, it left huge holes in the hearts of those who were left behind and it ruined the economy. But turning on the Chinese won’t help, and neither will turning on our Heavenly Father!

What should we do instead?

We need to go to battle against the one who is truly at fault: “…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 6:12b NIV). The devil is at the root of all the evil in the world, not the Chinese or any other ethnic group, and certainly not God Himself. It is only in recognizing that we are up against evil spiritual opponents that we can actually make a difference against the hurt of this world.

Instead of striking out at people or people groups, and instead of striking out against God, why not show love? Remember, it hurts to be falsely accused. We are here to care for each other, to love one another, not to point the finger of blame, especially when the real source of blame is the devil himself. Let’s show one another that we care, just as Jesus did. Remember, He was persecuted falsely as well, yet He continued to reach out to others in love. He healed the sick, He fed the hungry, He forgave the guilty, He even died on the cross so that we could all be saved.

Let’s remember that we are not alone. Jesus is with us. He gave us the opportunity to live forever in a place where people truly care.

Is there a problem in your world? Don’t strike out against human beings of flesh and blood, and don’t strike out against God, the spiritual force of good. Rather, strike out, “…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. 6:12b NIV)

In His love,
Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “God’s Armament” mini-series, please click here.)