Understanding the War. Pt 1

I was on a trip recently and was asked: Since you believe in spiritual warfare, what recommendations would you give to others about how to conduct themselves?” As I contemplated that question, trying to keep it simple, I boiled it down to 3 main truths that we need to know.

Know our purpose:   

Amos 3:3-7 Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Does a lion roar in the thicket when he has no prey? Does he growl in his den when he has caught nothing? Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground where no snare has been set? Does a trap spring up from the earth when there is nothing to catch?  When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble?  When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

This was the difference between WWII and Vietnam! All the soldiers were the same, dedicated and committed to defend freedom. However, WWII soldiers saw a definite purpose because it was clear to see where the evil was. Vietnam was so different, so many messages were being sent and it was very confusing. Also, the generals were not allowed to conduct the war. Soldiers became disheartened as they experienced trying to win a war when the White House and politicians, who did not really know what was going on due to distance from the war itself, were running it.

We are in a very different situation! Our General has been clear about His objectives and even laid His life down for that purpose! We need to know what we are doing and why. Not every detail and not even the temporal outcome. Yet we have the clear teaching of what the outcome eternally will be! A clear vision of what God is saying to you. Ownership is a must! When you come to the reality that you were given eternal life for a purpose, and you are not here by accident, then you are able to see behind the scenes where the real enemy is conducting the war.

Scriptures state it the best:

Ephesians 6:12 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.

The So What: Do you know your call? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to show you your gifts? Have you asked Him to? Are you a person that has a job that happens to be a Christian, or are you a Christian and everything you do flows from that?