What happens on earth is a function of unseen spiritual realities. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,” Paul reminds, “but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Homosexual Protestors in Front of a Chick Fil-A |
My last post referenced an agitator that interrupted a talk that I gave on biblical sexuality and biblical men and women’s roles. What has happened to the president of Chick Fil-A in recent days is another, more graphic example, of the same reality. Satan is a liar and murderer. he is malevolent. “He was a murderer from the beginning,” Jesus told the Jews. [He] “does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44).
All of these qualities showed up in his hatred of Jesus Christ. Through unbelieving servants the Davil slandered Jesus and then motivated both Israel and the Roman government to crucify him. He will do the same with you and I if God allows him. “Then the dragon…went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 12:17).
Last week the President of Chick Fil-A mentioned to a group of Southern Baptists that he believed that marriage was only for members of the opposite sex. For this the mayor Chicago and the mayor Boston vilified him and promised to keep his restaurants out of their cities.
Note: Chick Fil-A has not been accused of mistreating employees or even discriminating against them on the basis of sexual preference. In fact, just the opposite. This restaurant chain has an outstanding record of equal treatment to all regardless of sexual preference. In other words, the media is persecuting Chick Fil-A for nothing more than religious conviction. This event is a direct threat to our cherished religious liberties.
So, how should we respond? God wants us to conquer our enemies. But how do we do that? Do we threaten, cajole, persecute, control, or hate? Do we use physical violence? Do we use the government to impose biblical law? No!
We conquer our enemies the same way Jesus conquered his. He conquered the Devil by dying! “And they have conquered [the Devil] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Revelation 12:11). This means faithful testimony to the gospel, even in the face of stiff resistance, the loss of property, or even life itself. It means faithful testimony to God’s plan for men and women’s roles.
Let us pray for grace to be faithful witnesses!
Just a reminder to any who might be interested: a classic text on spiritual warfare is Ephesians 6:10-20 which offers much practical advice on how to withstand and pursue such warfare. I too often forget it and would benefit from memorizing this passage.