War. What Is It Good For?

The devil was quick to discover that the strategy of killing Christians – which he employed in the beginning of Christianity – didn’t work. It was too obvious. The authorities had done the same with Jesus. Every believer could see clearly what was happening. The constant battle to stay alive (both spiritually and physically) turned simple men and women into heroes. The sweet aroma of Jesus was spread and as a result, the number of believers grew daily.

This demanded a change in tactics. “Instead of confronting Christians, let’s give them peace. Let them relax; get comfortable.” – said the devil. When there are no battles, no resistance, people get lazy. Everything is easy. Being a “Christian” became a trend. People would no longer be looked down on for their faith. What happened? The quality of faith found today is very low. In the past, believers were ready to give it all up, even their lives for Jesus. Today, what are people willing to give up?

Compared to the sacrifices our brothers and sisters from the primitive church did, letting go of grudges, forgiving, avoiding pornography and promiscuity, waiting to have sex till you’re married, telling the truth, giving tithe or offerings, showing kindness to others, seem like small things, right? But most “Christians” don’t do these things consistently.

The devil introduced the culture that being saved is easy. That everyone that says that Jesus is God is already saved. That people don’t have to do anything for it. Let’s look at the facts, though. When someone converts to Jesus – and everyone must, even if he or she was born on a Christian family – they are a new creation, that is, the Holy Spirit will come upon them and make them be born again. As it is written,

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If this doesn’t happen, if there’s no new birth, there is no salvation. That person isn’t saved because the Holy Spirit didn’t confirm that He accepted that life.

“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” (Romans 8:9)

The truth is that there are many religious people, but few Christians. Thus, the lack of quality found in most people’s faith.

If we want to be saved, the religious spirit around us cannot influence us. We can’t compromise. We have to fight the good fight till the end. Even if someone we know – friend or family – falls down, we have to put our eyes on Jesus and keep walking. At the end of the day, salvation is personal. Each one of us will be saved by our own personal relationship with Jesus.

We’re still at war. Even if the devil wants us to think differently. The warriors of God will never kneel down to drink water.

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13)

Bp Victor Silva
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