Because I Live in a Fallen World . . .

Am I living in a fallen world, as the Bible teaches? To answer this in my own mind, I only need look around me at those things that surround me in my daily life.

The assault on my spiritual well-being is real, and it grows stronger as I grow closer to my God. Whether through the attentions and intentions of persons who revolve among my sphere of influence, or the "artistic" themes that I am bombarded with through music, film, print and the web, the prince of darkness prowls the paths of my life, searching for any opening in my mind to cast doubt, sow seeds of discontent, or claim a stronghold upon my body and mind.

I have given myself to Christ. My life is His, as I have died to self and claimed a new life in eternity with Him. That said, even my faith can be attacked, and is being attacked constantly. The enemy is certainly loose in the world, and he will use any means to take me from the hand of God.

Realizing that there really is a spiritual war happening all around me is the first of the many steps I have taken to protect myself and my loved ones, my home and work, my friends and my church.

Next, I am beginning to see that the things that I have sought for entertainment have been systematically bent toward evil intentions. Some not so blatant, but they are apparent to me nonetheless. Allowing a foothold into my mind for the devil to grasp is something I seek to prevent. Not an easy thing in the world I live in now.

Even more distressing are the people that the enemy uses to pierce my defenses. Often, those closest to me are the ones who, unknowingly, assist in opening those doors that should be closed to the evil that seeks to destroy. Satan will use anyone and any circumstance against me, if I am unaware. Family, friends, business associates . . . all trigger my desire to be accepted, to be welcomed, and be viewed as wise and successful in life. That need to present a front is what most weakens my defenses.

Follow Isaiah's admonition:

“You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, "No one sees me"; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, "I am, and there is no one besides me." But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing. Stand fast in your enchantments and your many sorceries, with which you have labored from your youth; perhaps you may be able to succeed; perhaps you may inspire terror. You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you. Behold, they are like stubble; the fire consumes them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. No coal for warming oneself is this, no fire to sit before! Such to you are those with whom you have labored, who have done business with you from your youth; they wander about, each in his own direction; there is no one to save you.”-- Isaiah 47:10-15 ESV

Now contrast that with James' promise:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” -- James 4:7 ESV

It does seem so simple, does it not? It is simple, but oh so hard to live in submission sometimes. For me to "submit therefore to God" is to admit that I am not able to live properly in front of others without the Holy Spirit guiding me. It means that I must daily give up my selfish desires and live for His glory. It means that I give all I am to being the shining example of God's Love and mercy; and, when I fail at that, keep moving forward exemplifying His strength through forgiveness.

So, I choose now to surround myself with His people, wherever possible. I attempt to block out the sounds and images of the world at large that would open my mind to the devises of Satan, failing often, but continually striving. When called, I answer, praying that I may be bold and courageous in His sight.

Because I live in a fallen world, and because my flesh is sin, I have only one choice if I am not to become as the world demands: to live as Christ has commanded, and when I fail that, to pray His forgiveness and continue forward in His light, and stay strong in the fight.