One of the things I learned about my husband pretty early on is that he is a fan of the Bond movies. And so, I became a fan as well. From the earliest days of our relationship, every time there was a new Bond movie, we scraped some money together and headed to theater to see it. (Back in the day, we didn't have Netflix and DVD players.....gasp!!).
Unless you've been living under a rock, you have probably heard that this month marks the 50th anniversary of the Bond movies and that a new Bond movie has been released. So, on Saturday we headed to the movie theater to see "Skyfall". This post is not a movie review, but I will say that I really enjoyed it, and in fact, I think it's one of my favorites.
As we were heading home on Saturday afternoon, we were discussing a scene in the movie where "M" expresses her opinion about the current state of the world and the challenges facing those tasked with maintaining national security. Among other things, "M" says that it is harder now to determine who the enemy is than it used to be. In World War II, for example, it was obvious which countries were fighting against each other. But these days, it isn't that clear. No longer is one country fighting against another country; now the enemies are ideologies and individuals bent on terrorizing. Rather than being clear, the situation in the world is actually more opaque, and the battles are now fought and won in the shadows.
What "M" has given us here is more than just a scene in a move, but we have here what I believe is a realistic assessment of the world in which we live and the challenges we face as a nation.
But beyond that, I believe "M" has given us a metaphor for the Christian life. It is not always easy for us to recognize the enemy. Certainly we know who the enemy is, but he is not always easily recognized:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 NASB).
"And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14 NASB)
As we are engaged in this spiritual warfare, we do so in the confidence that, ultimately, the war is already won. It was won at the cross. But as long as we are in this world, we must deal with this spiritual warfare in the battles of daily living. And it is at this point that we fight and win the battle "in the shadows", on our knees in prayer.
"With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18 NASB).
I enjoyed that Bond movie on Saturday. It was great entertainment. But it was more than that. It was also thought-provoking. Whether or not you see the movie, I hope you'll give this metaphor some thought, and I further hope that we all will put our armor on (see Ephesians 6), fight in the shadows, and resist the enemy.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith." (1 Peter 5:6-9a NASB).
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