In the Church, there are expressions of both left and right in the current political and social structures. If our efforts are focused only on those agendas, we will become distracted and miss something even greater.
We will miss the ability to identify the unseen influencing spirits that are attempting to control our lives. These spirits do their work in the unseen high places in the spiritual realm beyond our natural sight attempting to influence the affairs of individuals and nations. These influencing spirits work in secrecy to the undiscerning ones who interpret reality based only on human reasoning and understanding.
Paul addressed this kind of conflict to the Ephesian church, “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” (Ephesians 6:12).
To properly discern that unseen reality will influence the prayers and decisions we make against “the world forces of this darkness.” It will cut the head off the hydra of deceptions that lead people in ways contrary to the will of God.
We are called to step beyond what we see to understand the realities and tactics of the dark spirits at work in our world. Without that interpretation, we will chase our tails and fight misdirected battles expending our time and energy on the agendas of political and religious spirits instead of being led by the Spirit of the Lord.
Back in 1982, when I was a young man I moved to Taiwan to work. One of my roommates in Taipei was a dean of students of a small Christian college. I remember him challenging me with the question one day, “what are your eyes for?“ I struggled with it thinking to myself “well, that’s an stupid question” and told him “to see’, of course.” He gently answered, “see what?” To which I retorted “reality!” He then walked me through a very similar paradigm as you did today, Garris. That lesson 48 years ago totally changed my perspective on reality. Your word today was a good reminder.
His answer was profound….to see what? What were our eyes created to see? I wonder if Adam’s eyes were focused on the beauty of his wife when satan slipped in to deceive. How easy it is to have our attention diverted. The media continuously flashes shiny coins to divert our attention. We would be wise to pay closer attention to the Word of God and the voice of Holy Spirit so that we are not quickly trapped into allowing another spirit to speak to us.
I speak this to myself as I sometimes find myself responding to “flashes” rather than being steadfast in my gaze on Him.
So very true. Thank you so much!