Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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 ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Evil almost always manifests in people—those with whom we encounter and interact. It’s not usually some intangible entity but sensed and experienced in the presence of someone it inhabits.

I like to believe most of these people are unaware that what they’re doing or saying is evil but that they are just misled and need a better leader. It helps me to see them as potential captives for God’s kingdom.

Every single time, my mistake is to try to argue and reason them into their salvation without first calling on the Lord to do a little spiritual warfare in advance to clear the path.

It’s hard to acknowledge or fight an enemy you can’t see or touch. So I usually jump right in as a kind and concerned adversary using my own skills and tools then wonder why my most persuasive arguments fall on deaf ears.

Read on in Paul’s letter here, verses 13-17, and the reasons why are crystal clear.

All are potential partners for the kingdom and worthy of our approach, but like with anytime you’re doing important business, you need to dress appropriately for the meeting.

Don’t get caught with nothing to wear.

Indeed, it’s a struggle.