The human capacity to confront demonic forces is deeply entrenched in spiritual beliefs and religious doctrines. Throughout history, diverse cultures and religions have portrayed the battle between humans and malevolent beings. For instance, in Christianity, the Bible recounts several instances of individuals challenging demonic forces, often aided by divine intervention or the strength of their faith. These stories imply that while humans may lack the innate ability to defeat such foes alone, they can garner strength and defence through spiritual avenues. Confronting demons involves not just physical strength but also mental and spiritual fortitude.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that choosing to follow Christ also means challenging the devil and risking one’s physical life in the process. Despite the naivety of many, delivering unpopular truths can be among the most significant acts one can perform. The profound significance of the cross and Jesus’ suffering prior to His crucifixion is often overlooked. Neglecting to convey the repercussions of following Jesus is a grave error for those concerned. Honest communication enables individuals to brace themselves and fully consider the implications of their choices. Jesus commanded His disciples to impart all His teachings, allowing no modifications.
“It is enough for a disciple that he is like his teacher and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household? Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’ and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:25-39 NKJV).
The profound insight highlighted in the aforementioned Scripture is that the enemy does not manifest as a devil; instead, he masquerades as an angel of light. This concept is reflected in the depiction of Jesus as Beelzebub, influenced by the same spirit that draws power from the devil. From a human standpoint, recognizing the devil is challenging, as it may not be possible within the physical domain. A person is at a disadvantage when relying solely on intellect to confront the devil. Confronting the devil is not just a matter of physical strength or resolve.
The enemies of Jesus were not outsiders but were those entrusted with Sacred Scriptures. They looked authentic to ordinary humans. Understanding that what is appealing to the physical eyes might not stem from God is crucial. The spirit of discernment must acknowledge the repercussions of yielding the physical body, or it may erroneously adopt the principle of succumbing. To submit to Christ is to embrace physical death. Christianity addresses this grave matter, advocating for the death of the physical body to preserve the spiritual being.
Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, frequently attempted to confront the devil through human reasoning. It is crucial to recognize that the devil cannot be countered with emotions. Emotions are swayed by the energy of the physical universe, whereas the spirit, not being bound to this world, eludes physical measurement and quantification. When Jesus admonished Peter, He selected His words deliberately, addressing the influence behind Peter’s actions at that time.
From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offence to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:21-26 NKJV).
The enemies of Jesus were expected to be outsiders. Jesus would be considered safe as long as He was surrounded by those from His Jewish fellowship. However, the plot to kill Him did not originate from the outsiders. It came from the elders, chief priests, and scribes—those supposed to be the custodians of the law, to know better. What is even more surprising is that Satan manifested Himself through Simon, who had previously been praised by Jesus for accurately identifying Him as Christ, the Son of God. This raises the question: how vulnerable can a Christian be in this world? How Jesus addressed Peter’s disapproval of His impending death defies all logic.
After addressing Peter’s behaviour, Jesus underscored the importance of confronting the devil. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26 NKJV). Jesus was emphasizing the warning He had given to His disciples about the cost of discipleship. One cannot cling to their life in this world and at the same time be His disciple, which is comparable to accepting physical death.
A person who undergoes baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is engaging in a direct challenge to the devil. Commonly, humans are seen as embracing the devil, who in turn harshly confronts anyone who dares oppose him. Humanity, in its naivety, often believes the devil manifests in various forms, notably through aliens, to target the faithful. This belief allows individuals to feel secure among those they consider their own. Strangers are typically viewed as the true adversaries, yet it was from strangers that Jesus’ protection seemed to come, rather than from those presumed to be His own. Even Pontius Pilate, a Gentile governor, tried to set Jesus free.
The Zimbabwean political landscape has demonstrated this phenomenon. The ex-leader of the CCC might have thought that those lauding his leadership were allies. Yet, it emerged that he faced more opposition within his party than externally. His anticipation of such a scenario is moot. The underlying principle persists: impostors can appear legitimate to an unsuspecting public. Confronted with chaos, the ex-leader opted to remove himself from the situation. Remaining could have spelt catastrophe, potentially resulting in further loss of life. His decision to withdraw reflects a pragmatic approach in the tangible world; one need not forfeit their life for a tangible cause.
With this understanding, individuals can act prudently, avoiding surprise by potential adversaries in their vicinity. It’s crucial to recognize that those who appear as enemies should not be despised; instead, they should be met with love and prayers. This viewpoint clarifies that Christians are called to concentrate on loving and praying for their adversaries. Moreover, a Christian is someone who discovers joy amidst persecution. The essential point is that Christians are following the correct path when they face persecution from others. The belief that persecutors only come from afar is mistaken. Sometimes, trusted friends might target their fellow believers with the best of intentions.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:38-48 NKJV).
The devil’s most cunning trick convinces us that the problem lies with physical humanity. He exploits people to create devastation, but physical humans are not causative. Any individual, whether knowingly or unknowingly, can be used by the devil to inflict harm on God’s children. This is why Jesus taught that we should not be attached to our relatives more than we should be to Him. Even our loved ones can be unwittingly influenced by the devil, needing to be freed from this condition. The best a Christian can do is to love and pray for them. Paul emphasized the importance of recognizing the real enemy we must confront—not physically, but spiritually.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV).
To be strong in the Lord is to maintain focus on Jesus, no matter the consequences. This can only be achieved by practising His teachings, especially on the application of love. There is no uncertainty in this viewpoint. The essential point is that Christians should not view others in the physical world as enemies. Rather, they understand that the true adversary is the devil, who might use those around them to cause distraction. Therefore, in Christianity, it is imperative to treat everyone equally, making it possible to reveal the machinations of Satan. This resembles an external enemy turning your allies against you to weaken your impact. Losing focus might inadvertently lead you to do the enemy’s bidding by attacking your own allies, leaving the enemy untouched.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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