Why Preparation is Your Best Defense Against Germs and Demons

Posted on Feb 28, 2019 Topic : Men's Christian Living
Posted by : Neil T. Anderson

Some Christians are a little paranoid about evil powers lurking around every corner looking for someone to devour.

That’s an unfounded fear. Your relationship to demonic powers in the spiritual realm is a lot like your relationship to germs in the physical realm.

You know that germs are all around you: in the air, in the water, in your food, in other people, and even in you. Should you live in constant fear of them? If you did, you would be a hypochondriac.

The only appropriate response to the swarm of germs around you is to eat the right foods, get enough rest and exercise, and keep yourself and your possessions clean. Your immune system will protect you. However, if you didn’t believe in germs, you would be less likely to take those protective measures.

Before the medical profession discovered the reality and nature of microbes, doctors and nurses saw no need to wear masks, scrub up before surgery, or use antibiotics—which is why some patients died.

It’s the same in the spiritual realm. Demons are like invisible germs looking for someone to infect. We are never told in Scripture to be afraid of them. You just need to be aware of their existence and commit yourself to knowing the truth and living a righteous life.

The only real sanctuary you have is your position in Christ, and in Him, you have all the protection you need.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul describes the armor of God, which He has provided for our protection. The first fact you should understand about God’s protection is that our role is not passive. Notice how often we are commanded to take an active role:

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm (verses 10-13).

Some Christians ask, “If the Lord has disarmed the enemy and fitted me with armor, why can’t I just trust in that?” That’s like a person joining the military asking, “Our country has the most advanced tanks, planes, missiles, and ships in the world. Why should I go through basic training and learn how to stand guard?”

They had better learn the essentials because soldiers, sailors, and airmen are the ones who maintain and use military weapons and hardware, which are useless without them, and only as good as the ones operating them.

Our “commanding officer” has provided everything we need to remain victorious over the forces of darkness. He says, in effect, “I’ve prepared a winning strategy and designed effective weapons. But if you don’t do your part by staying on active duty, you’re likely to become a casualty of war.”

In her classic book War on the Saints, Jessie Penn-Lewis wrote, “The chief condition for the working of evil spirits in a human being, apart from sin, is passivity, in exact opposition to the condition which God requires from His children for His working in them.”

You can’t expect God to protect you from demonic influences if you don’t take an active part in your own defense.