These 3 schemes of the enemy, Self-centeredness, Separation of parents, and Sex Education in Schools are destroying the foundations of the family structure in the society. There are more threats out there, but I'm just highlighting these three in my reflection. When people become self-centered they are not willing to sacrifice, but only seek to satisfy one's interest. When parents separate, the child will seek security in some other avenues and it is usually a negative source of affirmation. With sex education in schools, children are subject to be exposed prematurely to information that their parents could have communicated in an environment of love and concern.
We combat these 3 schemes with 3 S's as well. First is that we have to be steadfast in prayer. "With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)." There is nothing like the power of prayer. There are many things beyond our control, but with God on our side surely we will rise victorious. Many people who fight for righteousness become so engrossed in what they are doing that there is a big tendency in becoming too tired to pray. St. Paul exhorts us to pray at every opportunity. In Joshua 1:8 God advices Joshua, "Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal." With prayer first and foremost, God will be ahead of us in our battles. He will reveal to us the schemes of the enemy and He will give us wisdom to deal with them.
The second "S" to help us overcome the enemy's schemes is to be strong in the Lord. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). We will be strong if we SUIT UP! "Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day... (Ephesians 6:13)." We put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, our ready boots, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is God's word. When we listen to the radio, specially to commentators, most of them have anti-life views and they try to convince their listeners about their opinions. If we do not know the truth in the Lord, we will be easily swayed to their reasoning. It is our duty as well to seek for the truth. And in this search, we will be well equipped and our convictions will be stronger. We also have to build ourselves up to be able to put on the FULL armor of God, for if we lack one, it will be the avenue for the devil to scheme us.
Lastly, stand on your ground, be firm in the Lord "...stand firm against the tactics of the devil (Eph. 6:11)." We have to fight the good fight of faith. We cannot just remain in reflection mode and let evil create havoc on our society, specially on our family. We have to be vigilant in bringing Christ to families so that God will be at the center of all our lives. Let us not allow the evil one to scheme families into believing that there is no God and just base their lives in their financial success or in the misery of their poverty. We need to engage in enriching the lives of couples, so that their children will be secured in love and guidance. We have to stand firm against media influences, specially celebrities, that portray that separation is the better option because neither is unwilling to change. We have to fight anti-life schemers from getting into the schools and negatively influencing our kids that population is the cause of poverty and not our greed.
In our battle against evil by exposing the enemy's schemes and revealing God's truth, we must take heed in Jesus' advice, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16)." We also have to be strategic in our actions. Many of us instead of bringing people to our side, turn off others. One advice I heard from a speaker on parenting was that, "We have to first explain the facts, then the moral guidelines, and cap it with valid reasons."
Let us then put on the full armor of God, to protect us from the schemes of the enemy and to fight the good fight of faith!
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