Bubbles

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV)

In the last several years, we’ve heard a lot about people living in bubbles. It may be a political bubble where one only gets the news from one source, say MSNBC or Fox. It may be a social bubble where the only people you associate with are people just like you, in the same position in life and holding the same values and interests. 

The problem with being in a bubble is we are not aware of much outside of it. Being on campus and attuned to happenings in the Church, there is another bubble in which I see many Christians residing. This is one that isolates them from the reality of spiritual warfare. Although they have many struggles, they ignore or are unaware of the spiritual realities around them.  They are unaware of the presence of the Enemy who, in Peter’s words, is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. They are oblivious to the danger that lurks and so are defenseless, which is obvious at every turn. Struggles with destructive habits, insecurity, anxiousness, worry, fear, and spiritual apathy are all signs of demonic influence.  

When you are in a bubble, the lack of awareness is the problem and the reason for vulnerability to be unduly influenced and led astray.  Paul’s command here starts with dual awareness—the mighty power of God and the scheming of the devil.  But the spiritual bubble so many are in isolates them from the awareness of either and dooms them to a life of spiritually spinning their wheels.  

The truth is so many are spiritually stuck and weak because they are unaware of the constant spiritual attacks upon them and the godly defenses available to counteract them, which is exactly how the Enemy wants it.  If we were truly aware, he would lose his advantage.

Today, consider your life.  Do you struggle with worry, anxiousness, fear, or some destructive habit?  Or do you find yourself spiritually stuck?  If so, then consider that this may be the result of a spiritual attack for which you need spiritual weapons to repel.  The devil is real and his attacks are certain.  It’s time to get out of the bubble, become aware of what is really happening around you, and jump into the battle for your life using the weapons the Lord has made available to you.

© Jim Musser 2017