The Hatfields and the McCoys were two families involved in the most infamous family feud in American history. They carried on a thirteen year feud that resulted in the death of twelve people. One of the central figures in these hostilities was Devil Anse Hatfield.
I wonder why so many people showed up for his funeral. Devil had played a role in disturbing the peace of the whole community in the name of protecting his family and property. Perhaps people were curious or fearful.
As Christians, we also are involved in a family feud. It began long ago when Lucifer, also known as the devil, was banished from heaven. No longer family, he became God's enemy. As members of God's family, we are now his enemies and will be until Christ's return. He comes after us and we must fight, whether it's in our nature or not.
Thankfully, God has equipped us well for this fight. We don't need fists, knives, or guns like the Hatfields and McCoys. We have the armor of God to help us withstand the devil and protect ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ. With this armor, instead of disrupting peace, we “pursue peace with all people” (Hebrews 12:14, NIV).“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Ephesians 3:11 (NIV)
And in the last days we'll all get to witness the funeral of another named devil. Only this time there will be no curiosity or fear, only overwhelming joy that our family won the war.
Be sure you're on the winning side.
Image of fists: Free digital images.
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Mari,
ReplyDeleteWell said! We often forget that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and forces of spiritual wickedness in high places. I’ve heard it said that if we’re in conflict with someone, we’re not really in conflict with them, but with those spiritual powers at work, so it certainly makes me take a second, deeper look at conflict. Thank you for a well-written, thought-provoking start to my day. I consider myself armed! ~Roomie
Hey Lori,
DeleteThanks for commenting. This devotion really did hit home for me. I hate conflict but it's simply unavoidable when you belong to God. And I too need to keep in mind that I'm never really in conflict with others. We really do need to keep an eternal perspective in every aspect of our lives.
Great job Mari! So often we bring our personalities into a situation, when it's really the classic battle of evil in 'them' versus the 'Jesus' in us. What a difference that new perspective makes! Thanks for a thought-provoking post! -cyn-
ReplyDeleteCyn,
DeleteThank you for your support. I am so glad God knit our hearts together at the conference. I'll definitely need to remember, regardless of why it appears to be happening, that anytime I'm in conflict, there's something bigger going on.
Great truths, creatively communicated! Your writing makes an impact and helps us as your readers remember these important Scriptural points. Looking forward to more posts!
ReplyDeleteHI Kim,
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. So glad you enjoyed the devotion. I'm hoping God gives me wonderful insights that I can share here.