For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:17)

The Real War

War is the worst of humanity fighting against humanity. Since the beginning, sin has led men to start wars against their brothers. Untold numbers of innocent lives have been lost to the ravages of war. Science has created weapons of war on a massive scale. It seems almost limitless how far the human mind will go to create the means to destroy their fellow human being. Those who have experienced war are forever changed. Veterans of conflict carry the baggage of grief, horror, sadness, and fear. There is pride in winning the battles of war that give national recognition. Monuments are raised to honor the war heroes, days of remembrance are established to celebrate the victories, and honors are bestowed upon the brave few who gave all and those who remain. War is a terrible commodity.

The imagery of war is unsettling. For those who have never experienced the sensations of a battlefield can never imagine how terror-filled the combatants are to face death as the war erupts around them. The enemy is trying diligently to kill those who stand against them, using any means possible to kill or maim. It is a world of conflict in which few are prepared to engage. Shakespeare was right when he wrote, “O war! Thou son Hell.” He did not realize the real war is not the human factor that destroys lives; it is the war of the spiritual battle.

Carnal battles fight with weapons formed by the wisdom of man. The spiritual battle is where the eternal soul is at odds with the forces of evil, the wiles of the devil, the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Paul reminded the saints of Galatia the spiritual battle between the fleshly lusts and those led by the Spirit was the real battle. The desires of the flesh are at war with the desires of the Spirit. In the same way, the desires of the Spirit are fighting against the carnal intrusions of the devil seeking to destroy the soul. It becomes an all-out war. This battle is a daily barrage of the darts of the devil seeking to harm and destroy the lives of the holy people of God.

Going to war takes great preparation and planning. The Christian must realize that being led by the Spirit will invite the wrath of the evil one. Satan’s cunning devices will seek to trap the heart into believing a lie and rebelling against God. Challenging temptation begins with the knowledge the works of the flesh are contrary to the fruits of the Spirit. Paul lists seventeen specific sins that will condemn a soul to perdition if followed. He also includes anything that is like these sins. His list is not exhaustive but encompasses the principles of the carnal mind. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the antithesis of carnal things.

Fighting the spiritual war is real because it takes place in the trenches of the heart. A nation can go to war against another nation and take its land. When the devil wins his battles, he takes a soul to Hell. Fighting the real war to overcome sin can only be done by the power of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Do not grow weary in fighting this very real war. God raised Jesus from the dead to show that victory has been won. Now, we need to win our personal battles. Are you ready to fight?