We were discussing spiritual warfare that year on campus when a lady joked, “I don’t disturb the devil, so he won’t disturb me.” She felt that avoiding him kept her safe. It sounded funny, but it revealed a common misconception many believers hold about the reality of spiritual warfare.
Friend, you must understand the mystery of spiritual warfare (Proverbs 21:16). Scripture says we have overcome, which means we are in a fight. The good news is we fight from victory, not for it. This victory rests on Christ’s finished work and is enforced by our faith (1 John 4:4, 5:4).
Neither innocence nor ignorance will exempt you from warfare. In fact, ignorant people often become victims (2 Corinthians 2:11). The devil exploits what you don’t know to perpetuate his agenda. You cannot afford to be ignorant or arrogant. You must be aware and alert (Ephesians 5:14-16).
Arrogance is not a kingdom posture in warfare. Arrogant people often become prey (James 4:6-7). They overrate themselves, ignore divine signals, and trust their own strength. But our safety is in leaning on God’s grace, not on personal strategy or wisdom (Proverbs 3:5).
Scripture admonishes us to be strong in the Lord, not in ourselves (Ephesians 6:10). Our weapons are only mighty through God, not through skill or experience. We must draw strength from Him. This was David’s secret; his dependence on God was the secret of his triumph (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
You cannot avoid the devil by ignoring him. So long as you are a child of God, you are in the conflict (Revelation 12:10-12). The moment you gave your life to Christ and chose purpose, you became his target (1 Thessalonians 2:18). Careless people seem free because they are already captured. You are not his toy. You are his target.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria
