Do you believe in the Boogey Man?

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

How significant is this anymore to us as a church? Sure, we talk about it, but do we really see ourselves in a battle in the spiritual realm?

This topic came up last night at college, as my instructor related his real-life encounter with what he feels assured was a demonic spirit. He is a Christian ("a good, God-fearin' Baptist", no less...), and the facts of the story are very intriguing to say the least.

Years ago, in so-called "simpler" times, this topic was always ready on the lips of your average churchgoer. Now, we have elevated ourselves above such backwoods thought.

I mean, come on...are we supposed to believe that there are spirits and devils around us waging a war for our souls? Break out the garlic!...the crucifixes!...the holy relics!

...

The answer is, yes. We should not discount the power of the spiritual world. We, as Christians, are so engulfed in the deceptions of the "prince of this world" that we believe the notion of evil spirits is beneath us.

I share this apathy, and I feel challenged to seek God's guidance in re-endowing me with the "holy-ignorance" that I've given up. Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."

Shortly thereafter, the smart people crucified Jesus.

--There's something to be said about simplicity--