Not against flesh and blood!

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12a)

Individuals and groups are stirred up and angry

As I write this post today, there is a lot of political unrest, not only in our country but around the world. It’s hard to listen to the news on any channel. People are upset everywhere, and many individuals and groups are stirred up and angry to the point of violence. And it’s difficult to keep one’s composure when so many are angrily and violently speaking out. In the midst of all that’s happening, it’s hard not to dislike certain activists with extreme views very different from your own. But it’s very important to understand something important: that all of them are made up of flesh and blood. Why is that important to remember? Because the Bible says, “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.” (Eph. 6:12 ESV).

Who’s shaking things up?

A few months ago, I told about a man who put 100 black ants and 100 red ants into a jar. They just ignored each other until he shook the jar. Then they turned on each other and fought to the death, not realizing their fight wasn’t against each other but rather against the one who was shaking the jar. It’s an apt illustration describing what’s going on in the world, with evil everywhere. Our fight isn’t against people, rather it’s against the one shaking the jar (the devil).

And remember

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 ESV)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” (Luke 29:19 ESV)”

Therefore

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV)

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Isa. 64:10 ESV)