Without question, the church is in a battle, a Herculean struggle of global proportions. The greatest danger of human history faces it (Rom. 6:23). The greatest army fights it (Eph. 6:12). The greatest Commander leads it (Heb. 2:10). The greatest warriors have filled its ranks (2 Tim. 2:3). Each church member, like Timothy, is to “war a good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18). Jesus said He “came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matt. 10:34). This war is not for the weak of heart or the faint in spirit. Having said all of that, there is a mentality that must be resisted with all of our collective strength. Being in this spiritual battle gives no Christian the right or license to behave like a spiritual “attack dog,” to assault or insult with sharp words, or to be obnoxious or rude in presenting the gospel (which, remember, means good news). The purpose of battle is two fold: to defeat Satan and to save the lost. Losing sight of our aim means jeopardizing our mission (cf. Matt. 28:18-20). We can repel the very souls we are trying to save through foolish tactics. Consider the following. The battle for souls is not a battle with souls. Remember who the adversary is! He is Satan. We are not out to slash or burn people! God forbid! Paul wrote, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). These principalities, powers, and rulers refer to forces that are not associated with flesh and blood. We are trying to reach the lost—not mow them down! Some require stronger persuasion than others, but no one should be made to feel contempt or haughtiness or assaulted (cf. Jude 22-23)! The battle for souls is not a battle about who is right. This battle must never be reduced to “me versus them.” The only winner of that battle is Satan. Maintaining a spirit like Paul’s, each of us should say, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given…” (Eph. 3:8). We must fight with humility and meekness. The battle is for truth, not against another person. Our aim is not to shoot down the other guy’s position, to mortally wound his religion, or bomb his beliefs.

We are to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). The positive effect of truth, when believed, is the rejection of human creeds and religions. Let the truth work in that fashion (Heb. 4:12). It does not need our help, through rancorous and vicious attacks on the lost person. It is a matter of what is right in religious discussion. Never is it about personal victory over another. The battle for souls is not a battle fought by carnal rules of warfare. We are not out to kill. We are out to rescue. We are going into the enemy’s camp and trying to recruit soldiers for the Lord’s cause. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Cor. 10:4). We are not looking to shoot when we see the whites of their eyes. We are not going to shoot first, then ask questions later. We are not out to “show them.” We are seeking to sake.

Allow me to be frank. At times, attitudes have not been Christ-like. Let us avoid an overzealous attitude which wounds and bruises. Let us be zealous! But, let us channel and harness our zeal with Christ-like love. Satan is the enemy!

— Neal Pollard