A RAGING WAR

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

Ephesians 6:11-12 says, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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." 

On my way to work this morning, my mind went to the whole armor of God. During youth group, I remember learning about armor in metaphorical terms, cutting out breastplates, helmets, and shinguards. As I have grown older, though, I have come to understand precisely what the verse means: we are in a battle for our spirits. 

Sometimes, I yearn for my younger days. The overpolitization did not weigh heavily on me. I did not feel divided from those around me, at least not along ideological or party lines. 

In recent days, months, and years, I have been disheartened by the number of people I see putting on their armor and using it in a literal sense. Countless people have made a weapon of our faith, using it to win political and social battles. However, I cannot help but wonder if Christ Jesus intended our faith to be that way. 

I've seen faith weaponized to justify division and used as a rallying cry in political arenas or cultural wars, where the focus shifts from love to power. When faith is wielded to condemn rather than to heal, we stray far from Christ's example.

The Holy Spirit's fruits — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — are an actual test of these battles. If a message is not concocted with these ideals in mind, it is not of God. He is merciful and loving, and He yearns for a relationship with us as His creation. 

God does not need us to fight his societal or worldwide battles against the devil; instead, he instructs us to care for the least of these, the imprisoned, the oppressed, the hungry, the hurting, and those unjustly pushed to the margins. 

When we feed the hungry, visit the lonely, or advocate for those without a voice, we live out Jesus' call. Volunteering at shelters, writing letters to prisoners, or simply listening to a hurting friend are ways to extend God's love.

We do not have to understand people in order to accept and love them for who they are. It is not our responsibility to condemn them but to live lives that reflect God's grace and trust that His example in us will move their hearts toward salvation. 

In John 13:35, Jesus says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Our love is the ultimate testimony of our faith. If someone treated your loved ones the way you treat others, how would you feel? 

If our actions lack love, joy, or peace, are they indeed of God? Do we aim to pursue battles of ideology over theology? These fruits remind us that the battle is spiritual, not ideological or political. Behind every cultural debate are real people, made in the image of God, who deserve our kindness and patience.

Each day gives us opportunities to reflect on God's grace. How can we show love and patience in our interactions today? What can we do to embody peace and kindness in a divided world? Though the world may seem divided, each act of love and compassion can be a powerful testimony. Let us strive to be a light in the darkness, knowing that God's grace works through us to bring healing and unity.






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