Against: Understanding Spiritual Opposition and Choosing God's Side

The concept of being "against" carries profound spiritual weight in Scripture, speaking not merely of disagreement but of fundamental alignment—either with God or in defiance of Him. The Bible makes it clear that neutrality is not an option in the spiritual realm.

The Reality of Spiritual Division

Scripture reveals that spiritual neutrality is a myth. Jesus made this division absolute when He declared, "He who is not with Me is against Me" (Mt 12:30). There is no middle ground in our relationship with God—our choices, attitudes, and actions inevitably place us on one side or the other of this eternal divide.

God Himself declared to the rebellious Israelites, "You will know what it is like to have me against you" (Num 14:34), following their unbelief and disobedience in the wilderness. His principle remains unchanged: "Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained" (1 Sam 2:30). Even our complaints about circumstances or people ultimately rise against God, who sovereignly governs all things (Ex 16:8; Rom 8:28).

The Old Testament provides sobering examples of nations and individuals who positioned themselves against God. Pharaoh's hardened heart led to Egypt's devastation. The Canaanites' wickedness brought divine judgment. King Saul's disobedience cost him his kingdom. Later kings of Israel who led the people into idolatry faced exile and destruction. Even among the heavenly beings, Lucifer's rebellion originated in pride and self-exaltation, leading to his fall from glory (Isa 14:12-15; Ezek 28:12-17).

These accounts serve as solemn warnings throughout Scripture: to stand against God is to oppose the very foundation of truth, justice, and life itself. Just as a divided kingdom cannot stand (Mk 3:24-26), so too our lives must be united under Christ's lordship rather than torn between competing allegiances.

The Call to Stand With God

While Satan actively opposes believers, prowling like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet 5:8), we are commanded to resist him steadfastly (Jas 4:7-8). Yet our primary focus must not remain on the enemy but on Christ Himself. We fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith" (Heb 12:2), remembering that He who is within us is greater than he who is in the world (1 Jn 4:4).

Standing with God requires intentional surrender of our will, desires, and ambitions to His lordship. James reminds us, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (Jas 4:7). This submission is not weakness but the posture of trust and reverence that grants us access to God's strength, wisdom, and protection.

We should hate what God hates, yet love what He loves

David, though flawed, exemplified this trust when he declared, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" (Ps 27:1). His confidence rested not in his own ability but in God's faithful presence. Similarly, Abraham "believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness" (Gen 15:6). His faith led to obedience, even when called to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac (Heb 11:17-19).

Faith serves as the bridge between knowing God and standing with Him. However, genuine faith must translate into action and obedience. We cannot claim to be with Christ while living in defiance of His commands or pursuing paths that contradict His revealed will.

Equipped for Spiritual Victory

God has not left us defenceless in this spiritual conflict. He has provided divine armour that is both protective and empowering: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (Eph 6:10-18). This armour is not merely symbolic but practical equipment for daily spiritual warfare.

We are called to resist the enemy through vigilance and closeness to Christ, avoiding both the trap of fear and unhealthy preoccupation with evil. Spiritual warfare is real, but victory is already assured in Christ. When we put on God's armour daily, we are not only protected but empowered to advance His kingdom on earth.

God's love for sinners demonstrates His heart even toward those who oppose Him. He showed this love by sending His Son to die for us while we were still His enemies (Rom 5:8). This same love calls us to align ourselves with His will, walking in obedience and receiving His favour rather than His opposition.

Reflection and Application:

Examine areas in your life where your actions or attitudes may be resisting God's revealed will.
Consider how complaints about circumstances might actually be directed toward God's sovereignty.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any subtle alliances with worldly values that oppose God's kingdom.
Choose daily to align your heart with Christ, knowing that to be with Him is to be on the winning side.