August 26, 2015
Parenting, workplace ethics, and spiritual warfare; it’s all in there. Ephesians 6 contains parting words from Paul to a faithful church facing the challenges that every church faces. Children ought to obey their parents so that all would go well (verses 1-3), and fathers ought to instruct and discipline children carefully (verse 4). Employees should serve their bosses as though serving Christ (verses 5-7), and bosses ought to remember that they have a “Boss” too (verse 9). But, then, the remaining words are about a hidden, sinister, and desperate battle of cosmic proportions; summarized well in verse 12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” This cosmic battle requires the ultimate in preparedness (verses 13-18).
These seemingly disjointed parting topics are more connected than we might realize. Previously, Paul descriptively outlined the roles of husbands and wives (5.22-33). The cosmic spiritual battle certainly comes to bear on marriage, as well as parenting and families, and employment. These are the very real arenas of warfare. As such, diligence and preparedness in each of these areas is vital to spiritual victory.
Experience tells me that spiritual warfare, more often than not, comes as sniper attacks than full-blown military campaigns. A volatile word or phrase strikes at someone’s heart, and a heated exchange ensues. Alienation and hostility results, fracturing relationships. A rift continues; sometimes for an extended period of time; sometimes permanently. And, in its wake, the casualties are left to wonder what really happened.
In recent times, the phrase, “Live carefully,” has often come to mind. Weigh words carefully. Live deliberately and intentionally. Warfare seems to be intensifying as this present age nears its conclusion. Thus, the urgent admonition to “pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (verse 18).
Paul’s words may have been written, under inspiration of Holy Spirit many years ago, but they are as relevant today as then. The war continues, but the battle is ours if we persevere, and wage war with the weapons available to us. May we stand firm, fully dressed for the battle, so that victory is ours today, and always.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
These seemingly disjointed parting topics are more connected than we might realize. Previously, Paul descriptively outlined the roles of husbands and wives (5.22-33). The cosmic spiritual battle certainly comes to bear on marriage, as well as parenting and families, and employment. These are the very real arenas of warfare. As such, diligence and preparedness in each of these areas is vital to spiritual victory.
Experience tells me that spiritual warfare, more often than not, comes as sniper attacks than full-blown military campaigns. A volatile word or phrase strikes at someone’s heart, and a heated exchange ensues. Alienation and hostility results, fracturing relationships. A rift continues; sometimes for an extended period of time; sometimes permanently. And, in its wake, the casualties are left to wonder what really happened.
In recent times, the phrase, “Live carefully,” has often come to mind. Weigh words carefully. Live deliberately and intentionally. Warfare seems to be intensifying as this present age nears its conclusion. Thus, the urgent admonition to “pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (verse 18).
Paul’s words may have been written, under inspiration of Holy Spirit many years ago, but they are as relevant today as then. The war continues, but the battle is ours if we persevere, and wage war with the weapons available to us. May we stand firm, fully dressed for the battle, so that victory is ours today, and always.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 9:14 AM
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