By LARRY STOVER | Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene 

Our religious liberties are under continual attack like never before. The battle for our traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs is raging. With the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, the future of our conservative Christian values may be hinged on his replacement to the top court in the United States.

True believers are being called upon to take a stand for their beliefs. Lukewarm Christianity is “out” and reflecting Jesus Christ in our day to day life is “in.” Battle lines are being drawn every day.

The traditional family unit is disintegrating. Marriages continues to fail at an alarming rate. Children have turned on their parents. There seems to be more conflicts in our schools than ever before. A lack of respect for others as well as one’s self seems to be at the core of so many issues today. There is so much anger being directed at just about anything and everything imaginable.

Who is the real enemy? We tend to blame it on other members of our family. It is often easy to blame our problems on the government or some agency within it. Whoever or whatever the source, the danger is very real and until we face it and develop a plan to defeat this enemy, our lives will continue to spiral out of control bent on self-destruction.

Scripture nails the answer to this question. Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV) explains, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

The problem is not a member of your family, a co-worker, a fellow student, a politician or the federal government; the problem is Satan himself. Evil has taken over the mindset of many people, institutions and philosophies. Satan is working every moment of everyday to undermine your family, marriage and any other relationship that is important to you.

If Satan is wreaking havoc at your house, there is something you can do.

First and foremost, get your relationship with Jesus Christ where it ought to be. If there is sin and disobedience in your life, you are allowing Satan a foothold into your home and family. A life that is truly reflecting Jesus Christ is a mighty weapon against Satan and the forces of evil. “Praying in the name of Jesus” can shut him down. The devil cannot stand praise and worship.

What is your game plan for this week? Every time you defeat Satan it makes life “Simply Beautiful.”