There are no lines in the sand, no bombs going off, no gunfire but there is a battle going on. C.S. Lewis depicts the way evil works very effectively in “The Screwtape Letters”. Carl Miller powerfully illustrates demons around drug addiction in his book, “The Relentless Pursuit of a Soul”. And keep an eye out for Laura Gallier’s book, “The Delusion” to be released this fall. Dr. Charles Stanley has said, “It doesn’t matter whether you want to be in a spiritual battle or not – you are in one. The battle is between good and evil, and you are the prize.”
The enemy has gained ground in America through a very subtle strategy. Arguably, a key battle victory was achieved in the mid-1800’s as the theory of evolution pushed the remarkable works of S.C. Adams and his “Synchronological Chart of Universal History” to the back shelf. At that time, Adams' work was endorsed by educators in Europe and America as “unique and incomparable; a marvel of skill, accuracy, and learning; and recommended its introduction into all schools and public libraries and for private and individual use.” I venture to say that very few who are reading this have heard of S.C. Adams. His beautifully illustrated chart is available via this link: Synchronological Chart. I encourage you to get a copy of his work for your home and study it as a family.
“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. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:12-13. The charge is to stand your ground against evil, to stand.
From the theory of evolution gaining a foothold in academia to the religion of secularism being preached in schools from first grade on, the subtle strategy of the evil one has been effective. Two cases in point: Today’s kids are growing up in a nation where the dignity of life has been compromised – it is called “choice” to abort the unborn and to commit doctor-assisted-suicide in six states; and the clarity of relationship in marriage has been perverted with the “right” to marry as you please. These are foundational attacks as God breathed life into man for the sake of relationship with Him. We are in a battle between good and evil, and our children are the prize.
Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for the clarity of Your word. The battle lines are clear – good versus evil, Light versus darkness. I have tolerated subtlety in my life that introduced various shades of grey into what should have been black and white decisions. Forgive me. Through the power of You resurrected and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, I rebuke the evil that seeks to claim victory over this generation. Strengthen me to be bold and courageous, to stand my ground as the man, husband and father You call me to be, to be Your warrior in this world. Amen.
A faithful father stands his ground in the battle between good and evil.
