Both of my children are actively
involved in one of the popular video games that is out today. This
game involves battling against a terrible enemy that is out to
destroy you and the world. Because of that, a key part of the game
is your armor and your weapons. Time and virtual money are spent on
enhancing yourself for optimum battle strength and ability.
As a Portland-born, peace-loving,
pacifist, watching my children play this game is quite a challenge
for me. Not only do I not enjoy it, but it causes me stress
and anxiety. I got to thinking, “What does the Bible say about
this?” I was surprised at what came to mind: “...there was war
in heaven.... The great dragon was hurled down.... Then the dragon
was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of
her offspring.... (Revelation 12:7, 9, 17)
And: “For our struggle is not against
flesh and blood, but against … the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil....” (Ephesians 6:12) In the
next verses, we are told to “put on the full armor of God” and
then, specifically, what each piece of armor is and what it does.
Included with this armor is our one
offensive weapon—“the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God.” (v. 17) Hebrews 4:12 says this “word of God” is “sharper
than any double-edged sword” and that it “penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit.”
A very sharp weapon can be a dangerous
thing if used improperly. I like the fact that my NIV Study Bible in
speaking about Ephesians 6:12 cautions “against lashing out at
human opponents as though they were the real enemy.” We have all
seen this happen and know that it ain't pretty when a Christian gets
confused about who the real enemy is!
Based on the texts I've cited, it looks
like, whether we want to admit it or not, whether we choose to
participate or not, as Christians we are in a prolonged war with a
wicked enemy. This thought can be discouraging—especially for
those of us who don't want to fight. But, don't lose hope. There is
good news. As one Christian gospel song suggests, I've read the
ending of the Good Book, and . . . we win!
I don't have time or space here, but
many of the Bible texts and accompanying stories under the term
“battle” in my Bible's Concordance are also certainly worth
looking at: 1 Samuel 17:47 (from David's speech against Goliath
(45-47),
2 Chronicles 20:15, Psalms 24: 7, 8, and Ecclesiastes 9:11.
The story of good vs. evil and its
accompanying battles are everywhere in our world's mythology and
culture. I don't think that is a coincidence. This unseen reality
is written into our DNA. Until the final battle, we soldier on,
crying out with David:
Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge (Psalms 144:1, 2)
