Results-Oriented Warfare | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Out of no where, my mind fell upon the phrase "every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5) during this morning's worship service. So, I made myself a mental note to take a deeper look at this scripture when I got home, which resulted in me examining the below passage:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
(2 Cor. 10:3-5)

Verse three declares that we don't contend with carnal inclinations. Since it ends with a colon, verses 4-6 that follow provide an explanation of verse 3 that can not be considered apart from that third verse. Therefore, verse five--my initial point of interest--tells me that warring after the flesh will not produce the desirable results outlined therein. We can't expect to tear down reasonings and all barriers that have been lifted up against the act of knowing GOD by contending with the flesh. Furthermore, the carnal approach will not make captive every perception to the submission of Christ.

In other words, as we interact with the unsaved, it's imperative that we war against the spirit of unbelief that's blocking them from the act of knowing GOD, as opposed to their lifestyle choices, addictions, foul speech, etc (which are frequently targeted by Christians). Additionally, as we interact with other members of the Body of Christ, it's a waste of time to war against any behaviors our brothers and sisters may manifest that oppose the laws of the Kingdom. We must wage war against the demonic spirits that are influencing their behavior. And since we're waging war against the unseen (and not the manifested symptoms of the unseen), our warring need not be seen of men either. There's no need to create a spectacle or publicly embarrass anyone: such unseemly behavior only creates visible reasons for others to hesitate in deciding to become reconciled to the Kingdom of GOD. We have been endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit to both remain composed as well as think clearly at all times (Matthew 10:16). Therefore, let us operate in the realm of the spirit, wherein Christ has already obtained victory, that Christ may also cause us to triumph over Satan openly in the physical realm.