Q: C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve their existence. The other is to believe and feel an unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors....” Would you explain why both perspectives can be dangerous?
A: To ignore the existence of malevolent spiritual forces that really exist leaves us vulnerable to attacks that we don’t even recognize as such. The devils enjoy this!
The other equal danger is to be so conscious of potentially destructive spiritual activity that we see it and resist where it neither exists nor operates. To say “the devil made me do it” when we did it ourselves is to avoid personal responsibility and thus fail to learn and grow through our mistakes. The devils love that, too!
Q: Why is it so vital that I bury the Word of God in my heart when I’m engaged in spiritual warfare?
A: Soldiers must know their enemy and their equipment. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes both in some detail. “The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” is a key part of a soldier’s “armor.” It is both a defensive and an offensive weapon and the Christian soldier will be helpless unless proficient in handling it properly. That’s why we bury God’s Word in our heart.
Q: Why is prayer such a key piece of equipment in the battle against Satan?
A: Prayer is the prime means of communication during spiritual conflict. We pray to the King on His throne seeking orders, asking for wisdom, beseeching Him for reinforcements, expressing to Him our fears and our victories. And as we pray, we reaffirm our allegiance to and declare our dependence on Him. Sometimes in the heat of battle we don’t know what to pray, but we “pray in (depend on) the Spirit” who expresses our incoherent thoughts, desires, and needs.