This is how we fight our battles
The church is under attack. No, not from the American government or culture. Sure the church in America may have lost some authority in society but with the way we treat one another, the disunity and lack of love we show, and the way all sorts of abuse has been carried out and covered-up in our ranks do you blame anyone for dismissing the church as a moral authority?
No, we are under spiritual attack.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” Ephesians 6:12 NET https://www.bible.com/107/eph.6.12.net
It doesn't take a lot of digging to uncover the disunity among believers these days. And as those of you who follow such things know a major denomination is meeting this week and they are embroiled in a power struggle among ever-growing accusations on a myriad of topics.
We are reminded in scripture that our citizenship is not of this world (Philippians 3:20). And yet while we are not citizens we are clearly called to be active ambassadors of God’s kingdom here on earth. (2 Corinthians 5:20). The thing about ambassadors, is they are guests in a country. They do their best to represent their nation well. Are we behaving like good guests in this world?Are we good ambassadors who represent God's Kingdom well? Are we known for our love? (John 13:35)
It seems in the midst of the church's waning reputation and power we have spent a lot of time grasping to hold onto that authority instead of on our knees in prayer. We have fought the wrong battle for the wrong prize. (Matthew 6:19-20)
So today I commit to pray for the denominational meeting and against disunity and for the persecuted church elsewhere in the world. I am not part of a denomination but I do long for the day where we as the universal church are known more for our good deeds (I Peter 2:11-12) rather than our controversies. And the only way to fight for that kind of reputation is if we take on our spiritual enemy through the power of prayer.
If you are a person of faith, won't you join me in praying for the church at large and the denomination meeting this week? Let's collectively fight the battle with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) against our very real spiritual enemies and seek unity among believers.
