The same holds true for many humans, unaware of, or unwilling to admit to, the realm of the spirit world, which is very real and far more dangerous (or helpful) than what we can see, or want to see. I was still quite “scientifically minded” when I first surrendered to Christ and felt the accounts of angels and demons in the Word of God were to be taken figurative.
Well, over the course of time I finally listened to God. Just as He chooses to use fallible humans to do His will, there is no reason not to accept the Biblical fact He also uses what we might call higher beings. One way He brought me around to the reality of the spirit realm was to have me watch other disciples anoint with oil various rooms of an induction center for addicts. After finding Biblical backing for this procedure (Leviticus 14:33-53*), I tried it when one of our sons came under spiritual attack. It worked.
Squirrel fricassee or pot pie anyone? Image by author
So this chunky squirrel who did not see me reminded me of many who are spiritually blind or myopic. If only they knew the spiritual dangers near, and perhaps, within them. Many who name the Name of Christ never come to the level where they can effectively pray. To some, the words of Ephesians 6:12 are just words. But when we actually know “…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…” we become knowledgeable soldiers for Christ.
I strongly encourage you to take the accounts of angels and demons in the Holy Bible as facts. If you have not surrendered to Christ, by yielding to Him you will have a place of security as you remain in Him, nourish yourself and be directed by the Holy Spirit.
For us who say we are Christ’s disciples, let us not be spiritually myopic, but wide-eyed to the spirit realm, endeavoring to run the spiritual race with our eyes focused upon Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1). We can be greatly used of God by fine tuning our spiritual discernment and permitting ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit.
As for that cute squirrel, I shot him–with my camera! I have his picture near the start of this article.
Notes:
* Devotionally, leprosy represents sin.
This article will be carnelian004 of my Bible GemLight and will be part of a series on spiritual discernment. Lord willing, my next article on discernment will be The Man Who Could Not Smell.
You’re right. We must be aware and pray.