It is one thing to know the theory, it is another to take the action. We may agree that we are in a spiritual battle as we lead our business or organization, but the question we all must answer is, “What are you doing about it?”
Here are 4 steps to take that promise to make a real difference in the fight:
- Make intimacy with God a high priority. A thought leader in kingdom business said that he spends half a day every week just being in God’s presence. He is a very busy man and would have all the excuses any of us have for why we don’t have the time for an “extravagance” like this. The speaker, Wez Hone, said that out of this time, he receives direction, encouragement, insight, and warnings that make it more than worth the investment of time and energy, even on a purely bottom line basis. He actually makes more money when he spends more time with God. Intimacy only comes with time; and honesty and intimacy with God gives us the peace, wisdom, and the ability to hear His voice that we need to succeed.
- Stay alert. I was once shepherding a small group of teenagers from our fairly safe town, Portland, to the “Big City”, some of the scarier parts of Los Angeles. I noticed that they were blissfully and dangerously unaware of anything going on around them. I stopped them, gathered them around, and gave them the “dad” lecture about situational awareness–to keep their eyes and ears alert to signs of trouble whenever they were out. Consider this your “dad” reminder. We really do have an enemy and he really does want to mess up our lives. Here is what the Bible says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8). Always be asking, “Is this conflict or situation or feeling, a scheme of Satan that I need to deal with on a spiritual level?” We always need to practice spiritual situational awareness.
- Think about what you are thinking about. Some people call the secular version of this, mindfulness. It is the ability to not only think, but to be aware of what the patterns of our thoughts are at the same time. Since the spiritual battle takes place, primarily, between our two ears, we must be aware of what our mind is feeding on. Have you ever had that moment when you realize you have been, without realizing it, focusing on and meditating on negativity, worry, anger, or something that is, most likely, not true? That is just what our enemy wants us to do. We can’t counteract it if we are not aware of it, so get in the habit of monitoring what you are thinking about. Over and over again in the Psalms, David reminds himself to change his thinking and focus on the goodness of God and the blessings in his life. We need to do the same thing.
- Practice the power of declaration. Prayer is good. Prayer is a necessary weapon in our Spiritual Warfare Arsenal. However, besides prayer as a simple petition, we need to practice the power of prayer as a declaration. When we say what God says is true, out loud, it does several things: 1) It reminds us of the truth. What we believe in our minds is mightily reinforced when we hear it in our ears. Even if we are the ones saying it. 2) It builds our faith. The Word of God says, “Faith comes from hearing the Word of God” so we must say it so we can hear it. 3) It reminds every demon of hell that is within earshot what the truth is. The truth has power. The truth sets us free, so remind those demons what the truth is!
Wondering where to start in Spiritual Warfare? Here are four good steps to start taking and, with them, start taking back ground from the enemy.
– posted by Randall Sanford