In the coming days we will need to stand with fellow brothers in the Lord. Denominational distinctions will become secondary. Who will stand with us? Paul exhorts us to stand firm: “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11). There are many Catholic brothers who are standing bravely. One is Ralph Martin, who recently said, “We need to wake up to the spiritual battle going on and recognize that it’s not just against flesh and blood, governmental powers, educational powers, or technological powers. It’s against the evil one, and we need faith and prayer to resist that power. Jesus is the only hope… He is the only one that can save us.”
Recently, Naomi Wolf (a prominent liberal and outspoken critic of restrictions on religious faith) wrote, “I don’t think there’s any explanation for how quickly things have reversed in our society other than supernatural power.” It is surprising to hear people from all walks of society reacting as biblical believers might. How else can one explain the rapid change in our culture? Men, we need to be spiritual alert in these days. Jesus warns us, “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4). He then goes on to say, “All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8). Men, we need to be listening to the watchman on the walls.
After Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, he attempted to identify during an interview the spiritual power at work in Western culture. He said, “One hundred years ago, everyone would have considered it absurd to speak of a homosexual marriage. Today, one is being excommunicated by society if one opposes it; one is being punished by society with excommunication. The fear of this spiritual power of the Antichrist is then only more than natural and it really needs the help of prayers on the part of entire dioceses and of the universal church in order to resist it.”
Archbishop Gomez, another Catholic leader, had this to say about the influence of woke culture: “An elite leadership class has risen in our countries that has little interest in religion and no real attachments to the nations or cultures. This group, which is in charge of corporations, governments, universities, the media, and in the cultural and professional establishments, wants to establish what we might call a global civilization. In fact, as they see it, religion – especially Christianity – only gets in the way of the society they hope to build.”
In these dangerous and uncertain times, here are some commitments to make as men:
First, give your mind and soul to the Lord – literally. It is vital to think clearly, applying God’s Word to contemporary dialogue, while being wary of the idols hidden in our souls. In Ezekiel 6:9 the Lord says, “How I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have turned away from me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols.” Keep a check on what’s happening in your soul. Don’t become preoccupied with the preoccupations of our culture.
Second, realize that we are in a fierce spiritual battle. Only spiritual weapons can defeat the prince of darkness. Psalm 149 encourages us: “May the praise of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands.” (Ps. 149:6). And our enemy knows his time is short: “He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” (Rev. 12:12).
Third, find a group of men who are willing to stand with you. Spend time praying and learning to resist. Make Jesus and his kingdom primary.
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