Give the devil NO place on the battlefield through misunderstandings

As the mature Bride of Christ, we need to be wholly surrendered and committed to living in the Word and the Spirit, at all times. For in that place, we will walk in Truth, and our eyes will see beyond the veil of circumstances.

Do we allow ourselves to be weighed on the scale of the Word and Spirit in every area of our lives – flesh, soul, and spirit? Or do we rush to respond to situations, circumstances, and dialogues, from our unrenewed ‘old’ selves that are influenced by our old entrenched hurts and wounds from the past?

I feel grieved in my spirit when I see how easily the enemy gains access through us. He is harming the Body of Christ through turning each other against each other. Are we going to point the finger of accusation at each other, crucifying one another when something is said that we don’t agree with, or understand?

Social media has got many benefits, but in all, it is the most dangerous terrain when it comes to misunderstanding and misrepresentation. In a face-to-face dialogue, it is so easy to communicate and yet be misunderstood. How much more, do we not face the challenge of speaking on a social platform, and being judged for something we said in a context not understood.

In the early years of my marriage, we spent some sessions with a great Christian Psychologist, who helped us with communication. I will never forget his words, ‘every argument is a misunderstanding, that with proper talking and listening, can be overcome’.

When we read or hear something that someone has said on social media, there should be wisdom applied to our response. Firstly, we should look at the character and fruit of that person’s life, and weigh up if what we understand from their statement, is in agreement with who they are. If the answer is ‘no’, then we need to realise that the possibility of a misunderstanding is very great. Instead of accusing, we should engage in dialogue to gather information and context that we might be missing.

I am concerned about the quick emotional responses and waves that Christians create on social media, stirring up a wave of emotional come-backs, instead of remaining focussed on gaining understanding, separating our feelings from the actual situation.

I would like to urge each of us to watch each other’s backs. We need to surrender our flesh and soul to God daily… every wound and every offence has to be laid down.

If we are going to build South Africa, we are going to have to walk as one, giving grace to each other, and care enough to understand. If our first response to a problem is, ‘Lord, give me insight into this misunderstanding’, we will be able to tackle every obstacle that gets thrown at us, and the devil will have no access into our relationships or onto our battlefield. Remember, we are in the same battle. It is a spiritual battle, and our brothers and sisters are not the enemy.

John 13:34,35
 34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

2 Corinthians 10:4-6
4For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

Ephesians 6:10-18
¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.