Christians put on the armor of God so that we "may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil" (Eph 6:11). Our goal in battle is to hold our ground and stand fast (Eph 6:13-14). The devil's goal in battle is to get us to move, to manipulate us.

If we are in the right place at the right time, we are anointed with the power of God. In that God-given place, we are invincible. Accordingly, the devil's goal is to deceive, push, and pressure us to give an inch. When we are out of place, even slightly, we no longer draw our "strength from the Lord and His mighty power" (Eph 6:10), but are on our own. Relying on ourselves, we are no match for the devil, and we can't even claim the victory Jesus has already won.

For example, the devil tried to get Jesus to give an inch. Certain Pharisees told Jesus: "Leave this place! Herod is trying to kill You" (Lk 13:31). But Jesus refused to deviate in even the slightest way from doing His Father's will. Finally, while hanging in crucified agony, Jesus was tempted to come down from the cross (Mt 27:40). He refused to budge and thereby conquered the evil one. "Hold your ground" (Eph 6:13).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2016

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