We're still afraid of nuclear bombs, but we can add on drones, biological warfare, and radical terrorists to our list of fears - as well as the threat of some unhinged shooter attacking us at our school, church/temple, movie theater, or shopping mall. We pray daily to God, asking that He fight for us and protect our nation and us from our enemies.
Jesus, however, says that our worst enemies are the ones who attack our souls: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." (Matt. 10:28.) Do you recognize these spiritual enemies?
DOUBT: We all go through the crucible of doubt, doubting the Truth of God's Word. But Doubt can take the face of destructive Bewilderment, when we're uncertain of our mission or ministry, or even of the direction of our whole life. The hard day-to-day reality of our responsibilities can make us confused, even bitter, so we leave the right road for us and get lost on a side path.
ANGER: Anger can twist us so that we see only the negatives of a friend, co-worker, or spouse and forget the positives. If we let the spark of anger grow into a roaring fire, it can destroy us by separating us from one another.
FEAR: Fear blinds us to the Presence of our indwelling God, so that we run away from His spiritual gifts and the power of His Holy Spirit within us. We bury our heads in the sand, hiding from God's Voice calling us to spread His Word, heal in His Name and work for His Kingdom.
What are your spiritual enemies? Do you pray daily, asking God to fight for your soul?