Ready for Action

Foreign Ministers from the European Union have been discussing whether or not to provide military weapons for those fighting against the Assad regime in Syria's terrible civil war.

The argument used by William Hague, the British Foreign Minister, has been that the enemies of the regime have had every form of modern weaponry used against them, and they are unable to meet fire with fire. In this appallingly complex theatre of war, this question has been much debated, particularly in light of the approaching 'Peace Conference' next month.

However, a limited agreement has been reached, so that some weapons may be made available to some of those fighting against the Assad regime. It is believed by some, at least, that the balance of power may change, as the rebels are now equipped to be ready for action.

While we all need to pray for God to show mercy to all the peoples of Syria, we may be either hopeful or despairing about this latest turn of events.

This terrible civil war reminds me that followers of Jesus Christ are all involved in a relentless battle, of a different sort, in our desire to live effective Christian lives. 

St. Paul tells his friends in Ephesus what we are all facing. 'For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.' (Ephesians 6.12)

It is important that we accept both sides of this statement. First, our enemies are not people (flesh-and-blood enemies). This should stop us taking on a personal persecution complex. 

But we do have real and vicious enemies who operate in the unseen world of evil spirits, that Jesus warned his disciples about. '“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22.31-32) 

It is wonderful that Jesus prays for us, so that we may be strengthened to be ready for action, when the battle is raging. 

In order to help his friends in Corinth, St. Paul describes his own 'ready for action' approach to his ministry and mission. 'We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.' (2 Corinthians 10.3-4)

Today, we all need to take hold of God's weapons so that we may be strong to stand against the spiritual enemies we encounter. That means, in practice, we must take time to pray for God's help, moment by moment, and have our minds filled with God's word and wisdom, so that we can discern what to think, and how to react to the changes and challenges of this day. Then we shall be ready for action.

Best wishes,

Richard