by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

Ephesians 6:10-18

Just because the spiritual attacks on your family might not be seen doesn't mean they aren't dangerous.

When I was a kid, superhero stories were popular. It seemed as if everyone was fascinated with the thought of a human with supernatural abilities being able to help people in their time of need. They were "protectors of the earth" and "defenders of the universe". While kids (and some adults) looked up to such superheroes, we realize that such powers do not exist.

Just as the fictional superheroes fought tirelessly and often sustained injury themselves to protect mankind, sometimes we are put in a position when we must fight to defend our families. While we aren't battling a physical enemy, the enemy of the family is very real in our world.

Simply looking around at our society, the attack on the family is real. How do we, as parents, protect our families from the world's influence? How do we protect them from the attacks? Here are three areas in which we must be vigilant in protecting our family.

Through purification. "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14). Just as Jesus leads His church to purity and holiness, so parents should lead their children to a life of godliness.

God commands us to stand against the devil's attacks with truth and righteousness. Teach your children the importance of daily time in God's Word. Memorize Bible verses with them. Lead them in prayer. Wrap them in a spiritual protection of purity.

Through prayer. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18). Perhaps your greatest weapon against the devil's attacks is prayer. You may not be able to be with your family at all moments of the day, but your prayers can be.

How often do you pray for your husband, wife, children, and family members? The devil is constantly trying to tear them down. They need your prayers every day, sometimes many times a day, to strengthen and protect them.

Through provision. Your duties as parents aren't only to provide for your family's physical needs, but to provide for their spiritual and emotional needs as well. Sometimes your children simply need one-on-one time with you. Perhaps rather than staying late at work or working overtime, you could take your child out on a "date." Talk to them about their day, what challenges they're facing in life, and seek to provide them with some emotional time with mom or dad.

God doesn't describe the battle with the devil as a secondary matter. He calls it an all-out war, one that necessitates spiritual armor. This matter is serious, and each family should take seriously the fight to remain a godly, unified family.

How are you protecting your family? Don't let the spiritual battle for your family go unattended. Daily fight to protect your family by leading them to holiness, praying for their safety, and spending time with them.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Job 34-35 | Acts 15:1-21