Plenty of top rivalry football games are being played this weekend. I was surprised to learn that some of these rivalries go back over a hundred years. Coaches view the contest against their top rival as the most important game of the year. Ohio State vs. Michigan, Auburn vs. Alabama, Clemson vs. Carolina, etc.
These games are often the most intense of the entire season. Football fans look forward to these match-ups like no others. Bragging rights are on the line for the next year. The final score of these rivalry games will result in the thrill of victory for some, and the agony of defeat for others.
For believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is a major rivalry game being played every day of our lives. There is no off-season for this rivalry. The pressure is always on to defeat our enemy at all times and on all fields of battle. This rivalry is, of course, between the saints and our archenemy Satan and his team of fallen angels. How are you doing in this celestial grudge match? Do you fight against our foe with the same intensity that we witness football players display in the game against their top rival?
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:8-9, "Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith..." According to 2 Corinthians 10:4, "...the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds." And finally, Ephesians 6:11 exhorts us to "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
Rivalry games are exciting. They fill sports arenas and make for great TV. But I must confess they are only trivial matters when compared to the spiritual contest between the prince of darkness and the saints of Light. Let us take seriously this mortal battle against our spiritual rival. Let us be careful to not major in the minors. May the Most High God anoint us with a warrior's spirit as we gear up daily to fight the good fight of faith.
Grace, Peace and Jahspeed!
For more insight into how to resist the devil, check our Action Step #3 in my book, The Rise or Fall of America: What Believers Must Learn from the Rise and Fall of Israel.