Spiritual Warfare and Spiritual Disciplines

Maybe this quote from my new book now available, The Battle is Not Mine: Lessons I’ve Learned about Spiritual Warfare, will encourage you to think about your spiritual disciplines and your daily walk:

When we’re not faithfully reading the Word and praying, we’re not likely to experience victory in spiritual warfare. In fact, we may not be a threat to the enemy in the first place when these spiritual disciplines are not part of our lives.

Think about why that’s the case. To win spiritual battles, we must put on the full armor of God (Eph 6:10-17). The essence of wearing that armor is not about just “praying it on” every day, but about understanding our identity in Christ (Eph 1-3) and about living out that identity in faithfulness (Eph 4-6). 

It’s not ritual that stands against the enemy; it’s relationship. We defeat the enemy by living the way we’re supposed to live as believers—loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matt 22:37). And, if we love God with all our being, we will naturally want to hear from Him and talk to Him.

Chuck Lawless, The Battle Is Not Mine: Lessons I’ve Learned about Spiritual Warfare (p. 31). (Function). Kindle Edition.