In every comic book and most movies, there's usually an epic battle of good vs evil. Most of the time, this is the foundation of the entire storyline. Sometimes however, the conflict of good vs evil takes second place to the actual story.
In the Bible is a clear picture of the battle between good and evil, or more specifically between God and Satan. Unlike most examples of good-vs-evil, the Bible does not revolve around it. The conflict of good and evil in the Bible is superceded by the story of God's love and compassion for everything he created.
However, because the conflict of good and evil in the Bible involves one of the parties being the creator of the universe, it goes without saying that it's not a pretty fight.
Logistically speaking, the two warring armies are set up similarly. On God's side, there's God the Father at the top, then Jesus just below him as the Commander of the Lord's Army, which I'm like ninety percent sure is composed of angels and all born-again believers.
On the dark side, there's the accuser/deceiver (aka Satan), his demons, and every human they can get to sin and thus forsake God. Interestingly, and tragically, even born-again believers are used by Satan to attack God, because though our sins are forgiven we've not been made into sinless beings yet.
It's horrible to think about, but in that respect, we're like double agents who work for both sides simultaneously. Or, it's like we're out there on the battlefield with Jesus and his entire army, and while we're in the midst of the fray, we randomly shank our battle buddy. Metaphorically speaking, that's what happens every time we falter in our walk.
A common tactic used by Satan's forces is to slam us with circumstances beyond our control, such as physical illness, financial distress, marital problems, etc. Each of these things has the potential to force us to question God, or take control of our lives, or to put it more simply, to sin. Yet, Satan was defeated before he even got going.
Obviously, the true Christian's ultimate goal is to be close to God, not to be outwitted by the devil's schemes. As soldiers on the battlefield right now, it is imperative that we endure whatever struggles we're facing and keep our eyes on God, that he may be a banner to guide us, a flag to which we owe our allegiance.
Marines don't get deployed to the Sandbox without a rifle, a Kevlar vest, and a helmet. If they've got so much armor to confront a mere terrorist, God's soldiers need even more to take on Satan and his forces of evil. When we get shot at, we need the full protection of God's armor, not only to survive the fight but to hold down the fort.
Our utility belt comes from the truth of God, and our flak jacket is a life that reflects Jesus. Protecting our feet are the combat boots ready to step where God tells us. A soldier needs faith in his air support, so that when he's being shot at from all directions he can keep his focus, knowing an Apache helicopter will take care of the enemy's bullets.
Any soldier will tell you, your helmet is your salvation and you always take it with you, the same goes for your rifle. As soldiers of God, our M16 is our Bible. While on patrol, a soldier's job is to remain alert and radio the commanding officer about whatever is happening. From the moment we accept Christ, we're all on patrol.
I hope this blog entry will help inspire at least one person to fight the good fight.
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