Stand Firm Against the Enemy’s Attacks
One of my older grandsons was involved in a high school playoff soccer match. After the first few minutes, it became apparent that their opponent was a good team. They quickly scored three goals against my grandson’s squad, continually applying pressure to the defense and the goalie. However, when my grandson entered the game at that point, I was proud to see how his aggressive defense helped to slow down the other team’s onslaught. What had looked to be a blowout turned out to be a competitive game. My grandson’s team still didn’t win, but at least it was relatively close.
That game reminded me of how important defense can be, not only in sports but as we face our spiritual opponents. In noting this, I am not taking anything away from the offense. It is important that we take the fight to the enemy and tear down the strongholds of the devil. We should be pressing forward with the work of God. The Church should be battering the gates of hell, reclaiming the territory and the souls that have been taken captive. However, we need to make sure our defenses are secure as well. We can’t afford to let the enemy keep scoring points against us. We need to resist his efforts.
In the most familiar passage of scripture that refers to our warfare and the armor God provides for us as we do battle, most of what is mentioned is protective gear. It includes a shield, a breastplate, a helmet – items to be used on defense. The main goal extolled in this passage on warfare is not that of marching ahead and conquering the opponent. It is simply to “stand” – not to allow the enemy to knock you down or score against you. “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore…” (Ephesians 6:11-14).
I am afraid that many of us who claim to be followers of Jesus are not doing a very good job of standing or of playing defense these days. The enemy is attacking and we are succumbing to his assaults.
As truth and the Bible are under attack, many are not standing firm in sound doctrine. They are compromising on clear, biblical teachings and explaining away explicit commands from God. Alternate explanations are being concocted for long-held beliefs based on principles taught in God’s Word.
Likewise, many are failing to stand firm in the living out of our faith. Godly lifestyles and Christlike character are being discounted as not being very important, or in some cases as not even being a realistic possibility. We excuse our sin or the sins of others, including our spiritual and political leaders. As long as they do some good things for our church or our nation, as long as they say the right words or take part in Christian rituals, we ignore their pride, hate, lies, and ungodliness.
One of the big dangers Jesus warned about in the last days was deception. Many are not standing firm against this particular tactic of the enemy. We are allowing ourselves to get caught up in the lies, half-truths, and the spiritual blindness of our present age. We refuse to accept the reality that is right in front of us. Our opponent isn’t scoring by blatantly running over us. He is overcoming us by blurring the lines between good and evil, including getting us to see less distinction between his team and ours. He is even tricking some into kicking the ball into their own goal.
The enemy is at work. Let’s not let down our defenses. Stand firm in truth and godliness.