The Spiritual Controls the Physical
Emmanuel Jesuyon Dansu
Assistant Professor, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."- Ephesians 6:12, NLT
The idea that the spiritual realm can influence the physical world is a concept that has appeared throughout history and across various cultures. This notion suggests that unseen forces or spiritual dimensions play a significant role in shaping events and outcomes in our physical reality.
In the Bible, Ephesians 6:12 highlights this perspective by saying, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” This verse points out that our struggles are not merely with physical opponents but with spiritual forces that operate beyond our immediate perception.
This concept is not limited to religious contexts. Many successful individuals in creative fields like music, art, and writing have spoken about their experiences with metaphysical realms. These people often describe a sense of tapping into a higher power or a deep, mystical source of inspiration that drives their remarkable achievements. They claim that their abilities to create extraordinary works come from a source beyond mere human effort or talent.
The story of Daniel in the Bible provides a compelling example of this idea. Daniel, who was taken to Babylon, was noted for his exceptional skills and wisdom. In Daniel 5:14, it is said, "I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods within you and that you are filled with insight, understanding, and wisdom." This description implies that Daniel's excellence was not just a result of his personal qualities but was also attributed to a divine influence or spirit that empowered him. This suggests that the underlying force behind his achievements was a spiritual one, rather than just his own abilities.
This perspective can be extended to various aspects of life. For example, the concept of the "spirit of excellence" implies that certain qualities or traits are not merely cultivated through hard work but are also the result of a deeper, spiritual influence. When someone has the spirit of excellence, they achieve greatness more naturally, almost effortlessly, compared to those who struggle to reach the same level of success.
Reflecting on personal experiences can illustrate how this concept works in practice. When I first began my undergraduate studies, the environment was restrictive regarding spiritual practices. For instance, praying in groups was not allowed, and there were instances where students were arrested for doing so. Despite these restrictions, we continued our prayers and spiritual activities as best as we could.
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One particular memory stands out from this time: a vigil where a well-respected minister of the gospel came to speak. During this event, the minister declared specific breakthroughs and prosperity for the university. This declaration was a powerful affirmation of positive change.
Five years later, my alma mater began to gain recognition for its achievements. The institution became known for its various awards and the success of its alumni around the world. When people discuss the success of my alma mater on social media, they often attribute it to factors like mentorship and hard work. While these factors are indeed important, I believe that the foundational cause of these successes was the spiritual declarations made during our time of difficulty. The power of these declarations and the belief in divine intervention played a crucial role in the university’s subsequent achievements.
I have personally learned to align with the Holy Spirit in whatever I do by living according to the Scripture and being sensitive and obedient to His leading. This way, I gain insights beyond what I would normally get relying solely on my human faculties. It has indeed been a freeing and sweet experience to ride on the wings of the Almighty God.
The idea that spiritual backing is essential for reaching certain levels of greatness is also evident in various contexts outside traditional religious settings. For example, some individuals may join cult groups or secret societies, seeking spiritual or mystical support to gain power or influence. These groups often believe that their success is closely tied to their spiritual or mystical practices.
To sum up, the concept that the spiritual realm controls or influences the physical world is deeply rooted in both historical texts and personal experiences. The belief that spiritual forces can shape outcomes in our physical reality is not just a theoretical idea but a practical truth observed in various situations. Whether through personal achievements, institutional success, or the actions of individuals seeking spiritual backing, it is clear that the spirit or spiritual forces play a significant role in influencing and driving success.
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