“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, 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.”
What is “spiritual” today?
Is “spiritual” simply feelings that are associated with positive experiences?
Is “spiritual” just a simile for religion?
Is “spiritual” tarot cards and palm reading?
Is “spiritual” a hoax, as atheists might claim?
Depending on who you ask today, you could receive affirmation for one or more of these definitions. That’s a problem. A serious problem. As we see in Ephesians 6:12, there is a spiritual realm. Satan is real. Fallen angels are real. This is not some matter of opinion or conjecture.
This is yet another reason God drives us into the Bible. With all the confusion in society about spirituality, Scripture is the only accurate source of information about this realm. It is with Scripture that we can “test the spirits” as we are exhorted to do in I John 4:1. Scripture tells us whether media or entertainment portrayals of the spiritual realm are accurate.
Thanks be to God, who provides us with clarity about spirituality through the Word.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
(This devotion was written for the congregations of the Ohio District-LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 