Daily Encouragement: Day 348

Adapted from Handbook to Spiritual Growth

EFFECTIVELY ENGAGING IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

It is important that we maintain a biblical balance as we consider the reality of spiritual warfare. C.S. Lewis, in the preface to The Screwtape Letters, wrote: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors.” Those who ignore the biblical teaching about the reality of the enemy and the weapons of the warfare put themselves in a dangerous position of vulnerability. The other extreme of excessive preoccupation with demonic forces is just as hazardous. Looking for demons behind every compulsion, craving, and curse—claiming “The devil made me do it”—can actually be an excuse that keeps us from accepting responsibility for the attitudes and actions of our flesh.

As believers, neither ignorance nor unhealthy preoccupation is the best way to engage in the daily battle against the opposing forces of the world system, fleshly desires, and “spiritual forces of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12b). To be overcomers, we need discipline, resistance, the skillful use of spiritual weapons, and dependence on the power of God. Which of these do you need to increase in your life to become more effective in day-to-day spiritual warfare?