Disruptions cause undo stress and discord. A disruption is a disturbance that slows or interrupts an event, activity or process. The definition of spirit is the non-physical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul. So here we have a pretty good description of a spirit of disruption.
One, whose soul desires to disturb or interrupt. Ever met one? Ever had your day destroyed by one? Your character assassinated by one? Turmoil created by a spirit such as this? Scripture says that Satan was the most beautiful of all God’s creation. But, he was not content. He wanted to be God, the leader. He believed he was more fit for the position of God of the Universe. The beginning of the “Spirit of Disruption.”
I was pretty naïve when I entered the workforce at eighteen years old. My experience up to that point had convinced me that if you were pleasant to others, you received pleasant back. If you were kind and compassionate, that was returned as well. The treatment you desired, was the treatment you gave to others. Simple. The Golden Rule was practiced by believers and non-believers alike.
Then somewhere in the eighties I met the enemy. He doesn’t want us to be faithful to the “Golden Rule.” Nope, he wants to steal our peace. He is a skilled expert at ripping our peace to shreds. It would be easier to deal with if the enemy himself appeared. But he doesn’t play fair. He comes through people. He finds a spirit that is easily swayed and they become his new “spirit of disruption.” He brought that spirit into paradise with Adam and Eve. He turned a beautiful, happy, content couple, living in a blessed environment, into two pitiful people unwilling to accept their part in what happened there. They were cast out of paradise into a world of evil and darkness.
Don’t we see that spirit coming? They are never happy. They are negative. There is always something wrong with something or someone. They are often, though not always, abrasive in their speech, demanding with a scowling face, whispering to any who will listen. Their outward behavior is deceiving. They do their best work in the background. It happens in families, among friends, workplaces, businesses and yes, it can even happen in church. No place is safe from the works of the enemy. Jesus met some disruptive spirits. Of all who ever walked this earth, satan wanted to destroy the mission of Christ. He failed. Jesus always referred to the word of God when coming under attack from the enemy. So how would Jesus take care of this situation, in our world, today?
That “thorn” in our side is a person that God loves no less than He loves us. We question how God could allow the disruptive spirit of one to destroy the day and the environment for everyone. It is a God thing. It is not Ben, Mary, Suzy or Jack, it is the enemy using them. He has figured out what pushes their buttons to anger and discontent and he makes sure they experience that. They are vehicles he uses to put a dent in our day. He uses them to create a battlefield that only prayer can defeat.
God will hear our prayers. He knows all about the “thorns” in our lives. In fact, He knows more about them than we ever could. He will make correction. He will restore the peace around you, one way or the other. Perhaps, He wants to see how we handle the situation. Do we conform or are we transformed by the renewing of our mind?
Forgiveness is the hardest thing to let go of toward someone who is continually setting us up, creating chaos, gossiping, complaining endlessly. That kind of negative charge is ugly. Christ forgave us, did He not? Is it true that we are called to forgive the ugliness of others just as has been extended to us?
Our goal as followers of Christ? Never to be identified as a “spirit of disruption.” To represent the light of Christ. His word has told us what we can expect when we leave our homes to go out into the world. The enemy is prowling, continuously seeking who to devour next. Who he can use today. Our defense against the bullies of this world? Put on the full armor of God. Seek Christ and resist the devil! The enemy will show up in the most unexpected ways and in people you would least expect. Be prepared with the attitude of Christ. Pray and pray some more. Love and forgive. Let God take it from there.
~Scripture For Today~
Matthew 7:12
12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (NASB)
Titus 3:2
3 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. (NASB)
Romans 12:2
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (NASB)
James 4:7
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! It seems to come suddenly, this spirit of disruption. It wounds and leaves scars. Father, we pray for wisdom and discernment. We pray that we study Your word so thoroughly about the renewing of our mind and transformation into the likeness of Christ, that we can fend off this tactic of the enemy. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.