Fighting Demons with Daisies

Recently, we as Christians have been threatening, and employing, boycotts as weapons to bring about moral change. Not only are we aiming at the wrong target, but we are using the wrong weapons as well.

Corporate policies will only really change when the hearts of the owners have been transformed by the power of Christ. The hearts of the owners will be won to Christ by the power of God and our use of the spiritual weapons He has given.

As long as there have been businesses selling things, and consumers buying things, there has always been the opportunity for the consumer to punish the business with their purchasing power. This power has been used, from time to time, to change the direction of corporate policy and corporate behavior.

Personally, I avoid any movie made by Martin Scorsese. His movie, “The Last Temptation of Christ” repulsed me so much that I stay away from anything upon which he puts his name. I also do not watch any program, or movie, with Adam Sandler in it because I have found him to be a vile, nasty, anti-Christian actor. He reminds me of all the vile filth that stands against God.

I do not avoid them, however, because I am trying to bring economic ruin upon them. I know they will live just fine without my money. I do not buy from them for the same reason I don’t buy candy at a liquor store, and I don’t go into a porn store to find a newspaper, or for any reason. The liquor store and the smut shops will have to survive without me. The main reason I don’t go there is because the environment repulses me.

With this understanding in mind, I ask this question: Who made the economic boycott a weapon of spiritual warfare? What Scripture tells us to wage spiritual war by the use of the dollar? What true, lasting benefit to the Kingdom of God will come from any boycott?

To my knowledge the Jews in the Old Testament never boycotted anyone. In the New Testament, people bought meat offered to idols from the shambles. Paul never instituted a boycott against the shambles. Paul never boycotted Alexander the Coppersmith. Alexander became angered because people stopped buying idols. If Alexander made candle holders or copper trays, he probably would have still made a good income.

I understand the need for good stewardship in the use of our money, but what can you buy that has absolutely no profit for the pagans? When you purchase a car, you either purchase from a supporter of homosexuals, or a follower of Shinto. Do we forgo medication because the drug company owners are not Christians? Are every one of your doctors Christian? Of course not.

I have an idea, make a list of all the companies completely owned by Christians and produce a product completely made by Christians. Now buy from only the companies and products found on your list. What would you have to do without? Almost everything.

When we use the wrong weapons we lose the tactical advantage of the right weapons God designed for our warfare. God gave us specially designed weapons to fight this spiritual battle, and those weapons have nothing to do with the physical world around us.

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2Corinthians 10:4-6

What are our weapons? Removing pride, bringing every thought into obeying Christ, and putting on the whole Armor of God.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

You want real spiritual power? Live a holy, pure life. Pray and fast. Give generously to those who can not pay you back. Live with the courage to judge sin and show compassion to the sinner. Live a disciplined life of moderation. Evangelize. Forgive others the way you want God to forgive you. Serve. Be kind. Then rebuke, reprove, and exhort with all longsuffering and patience. These are the real sources of spiritual power.

When we try to use an economic boycott to transform the heart of a company, or an individual, we end up with the same results as fighting demons with daisies.