I’m a big picture guy. This is good in some ways, I’m able to usually put pieces together quickly and understand big ideas. I am terrible with details. I need others to proof-read and edit my work. In my last church, my pastor was so often holding me accountable for the “details” of ministry, that it became a good-spirited running theme for the entire church.
I’m tempted to gloss over details in most areas of my life and move on to the “big things.” This is no less true in my spiritual life than it is in other areas. The tendency to neglect or overlook the details also bears itself out in the way that most of us perceive of spiritual warfare. Most people see spiritual warfare in the big things of life, the full-frontal assaults from Satan. The reality, however, is that Satan rarely attacks us in full-view. It is more often in the small “details” of life that we are tempted and tried and that we must wage spiritual battle.
When you think of Spiritual Warfare, you might imagine a scene out of a hollywood movie or Jesus’ temptation in the desert. When Paul conceives of Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians, however, he pictures it as a much more ordinary kind of experience. Victory in the spiritual life is rarely won in the big things, but in attention to the small things. Here is a list of details that Paul gives in Ephesians 6:
- Put on truth. The devil is a liar, and lies align us with Satan’s kingdom rather than God’s kingdom. Regularly telling the truth is a step toward victory in your spiritual life.
- Put on righteousness. Seek to live according to God’s expectations. Honor God with your everyday actions and you are already experiencing victory.
- The Gospel of Peace. The gospel makes peace between man and God and living in light of the gospel enables us to be peaceable toward others. When we acknowledge our sin and neediness, are are more open to loving other imperfect people.
- The shield of faith. Sometimes, all you have is faith. Your heart will lead you astray, but God will never fail and his word endures forever (Matt. 24:35). Ultimately, our choice is between believing God and believing Satan. Always put your faith in God’s word, his Word extinguishes the flaming darts of the evil one.
- Be saved. That’s right, if you have trusted Christ to save you, you are already an overcomer. You need only live into the salvation that God has given to you in Christ Jesus. You cannot experience spiritual victory otherwise.
- Pray. Notice, that Paul encourages believers to pray for others as well as yourself. Often, the greatest victory Satan has over individuals comes by re-orienting their vision to themselves and away from God’s kingdom and purposes. Pray for yourself and certainly for others and for the work of the gospel
- Keep alert. Peter gives a similar warning. Know that Satan is lurking, be watchful and ready. But, remember that the victory is already won in Christ. Watch for the attacks of Satan, but when they come, your job is not to fight toe-to-toe, but to run into the strong tower that is Jesus Christ. He is our warrior king and great shepherd.
The devil is in the details, but fortunately, victory is also found in the details of a disciplined Christian life. Live the life that God created for you and for which Christ died.
