The idea of spiritual warfare is often seen as irrational in today’s postmodern world. However, the existence of evil cannot be rationally ignored, and one does not have to get political to recognize it. The existence of murderers, rapists, and sex traffickers is enough to understand the reality of evil.
The Reality of Evil
The reality of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust is a well-known and well-documented example of the extent of human evil. Unfortunately, modern Americans are losing sight of that reality, with a growing movement to deny the Holocaust and turn it into a hoax.
As G.K. Chesterton said, the modern tendency to deny the reality of sin is a fact as practical as potatoes. The ancient masters of religion were equally impressed with the necessity of beginning all inquiry with the fact of sin.
Spiritual Warfare in Politics
Politics is not simply a matter of logic and law, but a manifestation of human will. It is, in a way, art in motion, but instead of expressing our humanity on canvas or on a stage, we are expressing it in reality. Human will is chaotic and can be beautiful or ugly, and it is anything but straightforward.
George Washington said in his Farewell Address that religion and morality are indispensable supports for political prosperity. He also acknowledged that education is equally as vital as morality, and that public opinion should be enlightened.
Today, we have a largely immoral and undereducated citizenry. Ignorance is easy to manipulate, and we know that, as does the devil. Education means emancipation, and it is the key to freedom. As Frederick Douglass said, education means light and liberty, and it is the uplifting of the soul of man into the glorious light of truth.
Fighting the Battle
Christ calls each believer to take part in the spiritual war between good and evil. We must go first to the Scriptures, and put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground.
Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Scriptures are the defenses we have against evil. To gird ourselves with truth, we must know what is true. To armor ourselves in righteousness, we must know what is right. To fit our feet with peace, we must know real peace.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
