“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6: 11-12

For those who follow military developments, the military technology advances made by several countries in the last two decades have been very impressive. Even though there is no war being faced, various countries are competing to develop their military capabilities, especially in terms of aircraft technology. Several countries are currently in full swing to develop combat aircraft known as stealth aircraft (“pesawat siluman” or “ghost aircraft” in Indonesian), which is an aircraft that uses technology that makes it more difficult to detect.

Generally, the objective of a stealth aircraft is to launch an attack while the aircraft is still outside the enemy’s detection range. Stealth aircraft have the ability to avoid detection by visual, audio, heat sensors, or radio waves (radar). Why the plane is called a “ghost aircraft” in Indonesian? I do not exactly understand. However, ghost in various Indonesian folk tales are spirits who live in communities and occupy a place. They carry out activities of daily life as normal humans, but often do things that disturb humans. In English, “”stealth” is not a ghost or demon, but means “invisible” or “in secret”.

Those who do not believe in ghost can certainly be amused by the term “ghost aircraft”. But those who do not believe in the devil can also be amused by reading the above verse. In the above verse Paul reminded the Ephesians of the existence of “rulers, authorities, cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil”. Paul certainly wasn’t lying. These demons do exist.

The devil does try to destroy what is good that God created in the first place. Satan is very clever at persuading people to ignore God’s word. Satan does not openly invite God’s people to sin, but he makes people feel guilty about the sins they have committed. The devil is able to make what is wrong, what is evil, what is cruel and what is cunning, look beautiful. Satan teaches people to make various excuses to justify their bad deeds. The devil also often makes humans feel exalted and therefore happily follows astray paths.

The struggle of Christians in this life is not something that is easily seen. In contrast with the depiction of satan in various books and movies, demons who work like stealthy creatures (“ghosts”) have entered all aspects of human life, be it those related to law, politics, economics, medical, religion, family and society. Satan and his demon armies have slowly and secretly undermined the values of a holy life that has been given by God so that everything appears as trivial things, which can be forgotten. The devil is also the one who makes people feel great and believes that their life and death are in their own hands. Humans who have been attacked and defeated by demons usually don’t even notice their situation, because they can’t see the devil, Satan, who is working behind everything.

Today, God’s word says that our struggle against invisible demons is not easy. What we see may be charming and comfortable, but behind all that the devil is ready to take down anyone who is not careful. Thus, we must be willing to put on the full armour of God, so that we can defend against the tricks of the deceiver. We must be stronger in holding the truth and justice of Christ, share in preaching the gospel to all people, take refuge behind faith, hold on to God’s faith and pray diligently to ask God’s inclusion in all believers.

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6: 14-18