For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.—Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

I didn’t know Charlie Kirk. I never attended one of his rallies or listened to any of his debates. But his death deeply affected me. Every act of violence in our country reminds me of how broken and very ugly our world has become. 

When evil blatantly invades our world, the Holy Spirit draws me to these words the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 ESV)

One of the themes Paul emphasizes in this letter is the need for Christians to maintain the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3-6). For this reason he reminds the Ephesians of the presence of spiritual evil. This evil will undermine their unity and their faith in Jesus. The same holds true for us. Spiritual evil is a reality that we, believers in Christ, need to recognize and continue to battle. 

Consequently, Paul implores us to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11 NIV). First he uses images of a Roman soldier’s equipment to describe our defensive armor. He lists the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes carrying the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Paul then describes our first offensive weapon: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17 NIV). I always envisioned a long sword. But the Greek word used here, machaira, actually refers to a short sword or large knife. This understanding tells me we fight our enemy in close proximity. Often the enemy strikes by planting fear, doubt, or negativity in our hearts and minds. 

To combat these attacks, we need this sword which Paul also describes as “the word of God”. In Paul’s writings, he uses the phrase “word of God” to refer to the proclamation of the gospel. This may not sound like a powerful weapon against evil. Until we remember how much God loves this broken and darkened-by-evil world—enough to send His one and only Son to save those who would believe in Him (John 3:16). Reflecting on God’s love for this world fills me with hope and helps me regain positivity. Every time we share God’s gospel, we shine His light which pierces the darkness (John 1:5).  

The second weapon Paul encourages us to use against Satan is prayer. He reminds us to pray “in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” and to pray “for all the Lord’s people” Ephesians 6:18 (NIV). I can struggle with prayer because it often feels unproductive and goes against my nature which wants to “do something”. But prayer keeps us in a humble state before the Lord. It reminds us of His sovereignty and helps us to trust Him. Trusting God ultimately leads to peace (Isaiah 26:3). 

Times like these force us to face the brutality of evil. But when we fight back using the weapons God gives us, we shine His light—and defeat darkness.

Dear Lord, our souls are troubled whenever evil darkens our world. Help us to remember the battle is a spiritual one. May we putt on the full armor you give us. As we proclaim your gospel and pray in all circumstances we will shine your light and pierce this darkness. We pray this in Your name. Amen.