For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
- Ephesians 6: 12,13
Many people have an innate desire to be and do good. I believe there are more positive thinkers and doers, than there are contrarians. Whether religious or not positive thinkers grapple with the idea of fighting. What is worth fighting for, what is going too far, when is physical defense neccessary, etc.
I try to see the bigger picture in most situations, especially hostile ones. Ephesians 6:12 is the perfect example of how to see the bigger picture. Principalities and rulers of darkness do have influence over humanity however, we all have a choice. Consider James 4:7.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Not everyone will resist and that's where the power of prayer and commanding the atmosphere in your environment comes in. Before you find your self at your breaking point and may do something you will regret, moving in the spirit is best.
Being in the flesh means we will not always consider the high road during conflict. Even Jesus had a moment. Consider Matthew 21:12,13 (KJV)
"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Woah! Jesus flipped tables and chairs. Not sure if people were sitting in the chairs at the time but, He was not pleased. Even though Jesus is our Savior and was free from sin, He still had feelings and emotions, and was just down right sick of the nonsense 🤣 (I couldn't resist).
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41
We've all been there, but I find that starting my day off with prayer and asking the Lord to rebuke pitfalls and wicked assignments can derail negativity. Now if YOU are the negativity, that prayer might not be effective. I often pray for a clean heart and the right spirit. This helps with self awareness.
Most people say "I rebuke you or it in Jesus' name" but due to different levels of wickedness I just say the Lord rebuke. You use your personal discernment, that's another topic you can research on your own.
"Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." Jude 9
"And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" Zechariah 3:2
This is how the Lord wants us to deal with conflict.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
-Ephesians 6:13-18
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