Few recognize the events in the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, as being the first volley of a major conflict or a war of such magnitude that it cannot be truly comprehended by man.  Every war has its start somewhere and the spiritual warfare man has been engaged in, had its beginning when Eve succumbed to the serpent’s enticement to eat the forbidden fruit.  Wars and conflicts begin for various reasons, but their basic cause is nearly the same according to James in his letter to the churches of his day… in the fourth chapter, first verse we find “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?” (NAS)  He continues to say that our lusts and desires drive us to behavior that results in sin.  These are the elements of the greatest war we will ever face, the war for our eternal souls.

Can you sense it?  Are you aware of the war raging all around us today?  Most are unaware it is taking place because it is a spiritual war.  There are no bombs, bullets, or men and women in special uniforms on patrol, but the effects are even more devastating.  Lives are destroyed, families are broken, and more importantly our relationship with God is severed.  So many seem to believe they are not involved, nor do they wish to be, but that is not possible.  We are all in this struggle, some fighting fiercely for the faith that overcomes the world,(1 John 5:4) while others are  surrendering to the fiery darts of the evil one (Eph 6:16, NKJ).  

All who live will either find victory or defeat in this war.  Most have a strong desire to win, to be victorious in whatever we do and our spiritual battles are no different.  However, we cannot win this war on our own.  Victory in spiritual warfare comes only through our faith in Christ and what He has done for us and submitting to the will of God.  The apostle Paul told the church at Rome “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” (Rom 8:37)  It is my sincere hope that you, through faith in Christ, have become a conqueror in your spiritual war!

Copyright © 2007, Nolan P. Rutter