When the War Goes On Too Long

The war in Afghanistan is now the longest-running war in the history of our country. Yes, longer than WW II or Vietnam. And though Obama has set a departure date, there is really no evidence the Taliban will ever be defeated. And because of that, there have been 'talks' of finding a compromise with the Taliban and attempting to build a consensus government.

The spiritual parallel is palpable. We live in hostile territory—a war zone. Day by day the devil is making war on the saints. And if we are to live in Christ’s victory, we must have a warfare mentality. It is never easy to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 1:18; 6:12).

But not unlike Obama’s Afghanistan strategy, you will be tempted to consider a less combative approach—to compromise with the enemy, even settling for peaceful cohabitation. Be careful; this is what the world will tell you: "Don’t’ make waves with your unsaved relatives, or neighbors and co-workers in the world. Don’t be overly concerned about your sins—after all, they are nothing compared to what worldly people do; and don’t worry about Satan and demons—if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you."

Don’t be fooled. If you want to experience the life of Christ, you must have a warfare mentality and lifestyle. You can never ‘make peace’ with an enemy that is out to destroy you. And by the way, we do know how this war ends! We win! In the meantime “do not grow weary in well doing” (Gal. 6:9).

Watch Out for Attacks from the Devil

For some time I have had a sense of urgency and concern for the Church’s need to understand the “dying to live” principles. The bible clearly tells that Satan's attacks will increase in the last days (Revelation 12:12). And I am persuaded that only those who know their ‘position’ in Christ will be able to stand against these demonic assaults.

This last week, I received this confirming word by David Wilkerson's (Times Square Church in New York) bi-weekly teaching. (I have grown to trust David’s maturity and prophetic insights over the last 25 years.) Here is what he says: In the last few years, I have had a growing sense that the suffering and afflictions of God’s elect today are beyond anything endured in the history of Christ’s church.

David Wilkerson is referring not to circumstances as much as Satan’s attack on believers—individually and corporately.

Almost two decades ago, John Piper wrote these words: How can a sense of urgency and vigilance and passion and zeal become part of the Christian ethos today?...The crying need for the last decade of this millennium is a global wartime mentality among all the pastors and churches and believers of the Christian church.

“Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.... Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 4:12; 1 Peter 5:8).