Christians Hating on People and Politicians

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Ephesians 6:12

In the spirit of the spooky season, I’m posting this verse dealing with the “spiritual forces of evil” that we face in this world.  I think this one in Ephesians is one of the most important.  It clearly establishes that we ARE dealing with spiritual powers of darkness.  This is not just medieval thinking or horror movie material.  

But even more importantly than that, this verse establishes that these dark powers and spiritual forces are the enemy, NOT people (flesh and blood).  We so often demonize people.  But Satan is the enemy; he just uses people as pawns. 

It’s so tempting to demonize my boss or my neighbor or my business competitor or my in-law when they are making my life miserable or seem to be directly opposing what I’m attempting to do.  It’s even easier in this political environment to demonize members of the other political party, whoever they are.   Christians seem to think politicians are open targets for hate, contempt, and vulgarity.  But nobody gets a pass from God to denigrate politicians.  “Do to others what you would have them do to you” applies to everyone.  The verse above clearly states that we are not struggling against other HUMANS.  

Think about this throughout the week when you are tempted to despise someone or see someone as your nemesis.