We need simply to stand
“For 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:12-13
American psychologist Abraham Maslow published a list of needs necessary for psychological health, known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Maslow posited that humans must first meet physical needs such as food, safety needs such as employment, and love needs such as family. While I agree with the importance of meeting these needs, I find that Maslow omitted the most-important need of all: spiritual welfare. The omission of human spiritual needs is reflective of our modern society. We live in an atheistic, materialistic civilization. We are encouraged to abandon faith in the spiritual and live solely by what can be quantifiably measured. If it cannot be touched or seen, it is meaningless.
One of the greatest harms of this atheistic materialism is the neglect of the soul. It is for this reason Christ asks the question: “What profit is there if a man gains the world but loses his soul?” Ephesians Chapter 6 is a sober reminder that our souls are in need. If ignored, our soul drifts farther from God’s love, gradually withering, leaving us with terrible side effects. A withered soul inevitably leads to feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and hopelessness. It is for this reason Peter’s epistle tells us our adversary stalks us as a lion seeking to spiritually isolate and consume us. No amount of money, health, or recognition can lift us up from the pit of a wounded soul. In this spiritually weakened state, we become utterly helpless and miserable.
So, in the face of this spiritual warfare, what do we do? We follow the instructions of Ephesians, and accept the gifts of God — these gifts being wholly contained within the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through acceptance of this gift, and faith in the complete work represented therein, we obtain the whole armor of God needed for spiritual health and victory.
So stand, always stand, in the love and grace of Jesus Christ, trusting that beyond anything you could ever do or own, Christ has done and freely gives all that our souls need.
For the sake of our souls we trust that with Christ having done all, we need simply to stand.
Jason Shockley is an evangelist and teacher. Facebook @simplemessagelife. Email: jrshockley25@gmail.com