The ‘Not So Secret’ War
“The ‘Not So Secret’ War.”
“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,” Ephesians 6:12.
Russia’s declaration of war in Ukraine has dominated the world scene since February. There has been ‘wall to wall’ news coverage, dramatic pictures and videos, and urgent meetings among political leaders on a regular basis. The coverage has been everywhere.
There’s also another war raging right in front of our eyes. This war used to be more subtle to the naked eye. That is no longer the case. While there is nothing new under the sun, the war against truth and sanity seems to have an obvious fervor more apparent than ever before.
Here are 2 illustrations that help display the clear visibility of this ‘not so hidden’ battle unfolding before us:
1. What is a Human Being?
The answer to this question has never been as obscured as it is today. Genesis 1:27 asserts, “And God created mankind in His own image . . . male and female He created them.” This Biblical and Biological declaration is also found in other locations in the Bible including Genesis 5:2 and Mark 10:6 for example.
From what we see and observe, there are extreme differentiations between males and females. These variations provide dignity to human beings and recognize the unmistakable, unique purpose of creation.
In 2017, the BMC Biology Journal published research that focused on the prevalence of human diseases. The genetic differences between men and women were analyzed. The findings were astounding.
Researchers studied 20,000 genes and found that 6,500 of them are expressed differently in men and women in at least one of the body’s tissues. As a result, the scientist’s conclusion highlighted the need to better understand the differences between men and women.
In 2022, an all out assault is taking place against basic human functionality. Gender has become an expression, and any contrary voice is deemed obstinate. The arsenal being used in this war is to rid society of what it means to be made in God’s image.
2. The significance of work.
In response to the pandemic, federal policymakers offered states additional funding for their Medicaid programs in 2020. In exchange, the states agreed to not remove anyone from the rolls – including those who became ineligible or committed fraud. Did you know, the only way people can leave Medicaid rolls is by voluntarily un-enrolling or moving out of state?
Medicaid total enrollment is currently at an all-time high of 90 million Americans and around 21% of all payments go to people who are ineligible for the program. The result? Multitudes are being incentivized not to work, which goes against the very fabric of our being.
Is it a wonder why loneliness and depression are soaring like never before?
Genesis 2:5 states: “No plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground.”
God chose not to bring His creation to a close until he created people to work. One Theologian put it this way: “God’s making the world was like a king’s planting a farm or park or orchard, into which God put humanity to ‘serve’ the ground and to ‘serve’ and ‘look after’ the estate.”
One of the main causes of depression is idleness. Idleness isolates and stifles motivation. Even the World Health Organization characterizes depression this way: “Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.”
By creating the incentive not to work, human beings are deprived of their basic functionality. Establishing dignity, worth, and respect have been severely tarnished. As people, we are made ‘on purpose,’ and ‘with purpose.’ Depression will likely soar to even greater levels the more we distance ourselves from the God-given understanding of purpose.
In closing, how do we respond to all of this?
The prophet Jonah was tasked with going to Nineveh (modern day Iraq) to minister to what was the original “Sin City.” The Book of Jonah depicts Nineveh as a wicked city worthy of destruction. Jonah disobeyed God and went to the squeaky clean, convenient, tropical city of Tarshish (modern day Spain) instead.
You and I are called to shine Jesus’ light in the darkness, not curse it. Remember, flesh and blood are not our enemy. In this war, Satan and his minions are attacking everything having to do with God. Scores of people are being deceived. Our role in the war is to run towards Nineveh (not flee it) with the love of Christ on our lips and in our actions.
Blessings,
Rev. Jon Barrett | Director of CVCCS
Bibliography:
BMC Biology Journal- London/New York City.
True Charity Initiative- Joplin, MO.