Our struggle isn’t against people!
“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.” (Eph. 6:12 NIV)
The people problem
Someone said the world would be perfect if it weren’t for people being there. You can say the same thing about your government, your city, your church, your neighborhood, and even closer to home, your marriage—about that, someone said, “I thought I was perfect until I got married, then my mate set me straight.”
It’s true for all of us!
The Bible says every person is born with a sinful nature and is imperfect (Eccles. 7:20; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:23). Therefore, all of us suffer from being self-centered and impossible to please one hundred percent of the time (Prov. 14:12). If you have been born again and have new life in Jesus, you will still remain imperfect this side of heaven (Phil. 1:6). Therefore, since we’re all basically self-centered and imperfect by nature, there will continue to be misunderstandings and conflicts between human beings. But there’s another problem we must deal with!
There’s something else going on, too!
Not only do we need to deal with sinful people, but we also have evil spiritual forces to contend with! The passage at the top of the page explains that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood (people), 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.” So, when you’re struggling with others in some way, understand that you are actually dealing with two things: sinful human nature and the evil, invisible spiritual forces fighting against you behind the scenes. But don’t despair; having this knowledge of what’s going on will give you the upper hand and help you find a path to victory.
Here’s what to do
Pray with the understanding that the battle is spiritual and must have a spiritual answer.
“Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, having your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, and above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:19-17 MEV)