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Against Whom?

             For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12-13)

I know that I recently referred to this passage, and I often do, but this time, it was suggested by Biblegateway.com. Lacking a better idea, I’m running with it. Recently, I had a discussion with someone who was trash-talking Mr. Biden – calling him a fool. While I didn’t suggest it then, maybe next time I’ll remember. Let’s try a thought experiment. Suppose that someone with a magic wand cast a spell on Mr. Biden, turning him into a Conservative. Would you still consider him a fool?  Would you start considering him a fool? Often, I suspect that “Fool” is used to label someone with whose philosophy (and therefore whose actions) we disagree. If the person in question were on our side, we would not be so quick to apply the label.

What this means is that it’s not important whether or not the person is a fool. What is important  is whether the worldview or philosophy held is foolish. That’s what today’s passage is saying. The person who opposes us isn’t the danger. The ideas he holds are. They can change.

“Oh no! Don’t be stupid. Biden will never change.”

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Impossible? Perhaps for you and me. Are we praying for Mr. Biden? Do we believe God can either change him or remove him? Are we engaging in spiritual warfare as we should? If you think Mr. Biden is wonderful, do you believe that God can change the politician you like to call a fool, or a monster, or whatever? Are you engaging in spiritual warfare as you should? Or do you think God is either too weak? Or do you just think that you know better than He does?

And if the problem isn’t the person, are not only praying, but learning what you can so that you can more effectively do battle against the ideas that are the true enemies?

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