“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

In the account of the legendary battle between David and the giant, Goliath, David was initially outfitted with king Saul’s armor and weaponry. He found these ill-suited for his use, and defeated the giant instead with a sling and some smooth stones.

Spiritual warfare demands spiritual weapons. The invisible war we are engaged in cannot be won with cruise missiles, tanks, drones, and/or boots on the ground. There is a radical difference between a fleshly war and a spiritual one, and appropriate weapons and strategies are required.

The evidence of spiritual warfare is readily observable daily. We are constantly being bombarded with the philosophical messages prevalent in today’s culture. Gender identity and abortion are just a couple of the specific issues ever in the forefront today. The most effective way to combat these and other issues is to be as close and clear concerning God’s truth as possible. A pro-active gospel approach (Acts 8:12) is the only real weapon capable of demolishing the philosophical fortresses built against us. This spiritual “nuclear” weapon alone is able to utterly destroy all satanic strongholds.

Life aboard a naval warship is far different than that of a pleasure cruise ship. Readiness for warfare characterizes life on a naval vessel, whereas ease and indulgence characterizes cruise ship life. In light of the reality of spiritual warfare, it is imperative that our lifestyle be comparable to life on a naval vessel rather than a cruise ship. We can scarcely imagine the disaster that would result from a cruise ship sailing in hostile waters. Similarly, we are in great peril if we live a “cruise ship lifestyle” while daily sailing in enemy territory. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” Ephesians 5:15-16.

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