Than ever before, people are more concerned about the security measures and systems as well as the cause and consequences of both internal and external attacks in India. During the Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister did not conceal his fret about the elements trying to create insecurity and dilemma among the people. The United Nations cautioned all nations about the need of diligent vigilance against such forces that causes internal crisis. Indians are literally shaken by the gruesome ordeal of 26/11 at Mumbai.

Indians, beyond their differences in faith and region demonstrated an unparalleled solidarity in condemning terrorist acts. The United States of America and other friendly nations have shared the concern with India and offered their assistance to fight against divisive elements. A Union Minister lost his chair due to his alleged mild approach towards terrorist attempts in the country. The Government of India has come out with a new National Investigation Agency to handle such situation flawlessly. India has taken aggressive measures of precautionary steps on land, sea and air to protect the nation from future terror attacks. Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving assailant of the Mumbai attack has confessed his role and the source of inspiration for this noxious incident. Again, India was warned about a conspiracy to attack certain strategic locations including the National Defense College in Delhi similar to the Mumbai nightmare.

India is facing a great threat of menace from the Maoists in different parts of the country. Several civilians and men in uniform have lost their life and property during the encounters. Even a Rajadhani Express train was captured by the Maoist sympathizers. Even though the Union and State governments are enlarging forces against Maoists, the situation is not under control. People like Dr. Rao, the Congress General Secretary and former Congress President in Andhra Pradesh had argued in the Ragya Sabha, “weapons are not the answer to the Maoists rather discussion because they stand for an ideology.” Often the Home Minister offers the policy of 'talks around the table' but the insecurity concerns are deepening. Indeed, the Christian community in India shares the same concern against all kinds of destructive forces and prays for the safety of fellow citizens from hazardous enemies.

This is the right time to high light the areas of security concern in the life of a Christian. Unfortunately, many Christians are not aware about their spiritual protection and ends up in utter chaos. Basically, Christians should be alert on their common enemy, the devil and his devices. Although groups like Christadelphans do not agree the existence and activities of Satan, the Bible explicitly cautions about the deceptive schemes of the devil. Right at the fall of man, God had predicted a constant struggle between the Seed of woman and the seed of the serpent (Gen.3:15).The Bible identifies Satan as adversary and accuser against God's people (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7).

He is also called "the dragon," "the old serpent" (Rev. 12:9; 20:2); "the prince of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30); "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2); "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4); "the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2). The distinct personality of Satan and his activity among men are thus obviously recognized. He tempted our Lord in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). He is "Beelzebub, the prince of the devils" (12:24). He is "the constant enemy of God, of Christ, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of Christ, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way." He has power in the world. He is a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). Men are said to be "taken captive by him" (2 Tim. 2:26). Christians are warned against his "devices" (2 Cor. 2:11), and called on to "resist" him (James 4:7).

The knowledge of Christian warfare is a vital clue for successful Christian life. Interestingly, Apostle Paul mentions about two mysteries prevailing in the world today, namely, the mystery of godliness (1Tim.3:16) and the mystery of lawlessness (2Thess.2:7) which many often misunderstand. It is the subtle plan of the devil to camouflage the former by the latter and thereby people may deny the truth and become easy prey to the snares of devil. Ironically, today there are not many sermons and teaching distinguishing these two mysteries rather advocates of compromise are plenty. A Christian must be vigilant against every loophole where the devil will take advantage of his life. He should be insulated by adequate anti-virus system of the Christian teaching against the corrupt operations of the evil one. A Christian must be under the seven fold wrap of protection to be successful and effective in Christian life.

1. Wrap of the Blood of Christ

This is the primary wrap of a believer. Christian life begins with the intimate relationship to the blood of Christ. Jesus Himself established the order of New Covenant by His blood (Matt.26:28). The act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden was eating a fruit. Logically, we can assume that when the first parents ate the fruit of the tree of life, their blood was defiled because a good amount of the food deposit in the blood. All human beings are born out of blood and had become bearers of the heredity of sin. Because blood contains life and progeny, God made the decree “without shedding of the blood is no remission Heb.9:22.”

However, in the eternal plan of the incarnation of His Son Jesus, God designed His birth without human blood. Virgin birth declares the uniqueness of Christ. Even mother Mary's corrupted blood did not defile baby Jesus because the outer coverage of the womb does not pass blood to the fetus. The fetus generates own blood for its growth. Omniscient Creator devised well in advance to immune His Son Jesus from the Adamic sin heritage. Because He was prepared to be the Saviour of the world even before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4), God had to send Him with out the sting of the sin. Quran affirms that Isa Nabi is the only one without the sting of Satan at birth. Therefore, only His sinless blood can redeem the sinful humanity. So the Bible says, “the blood of His son Jesus cleanses from all our sins (1Jn.1:9).” Apostle Peter clarified “forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1Pt.1:18).”

In the Passover day, Israelites shaded the blood of the Passover lamb on the door post for their rescue from the destroyer (Exo.12). The high priest of Israel annually sprinkled the sacrificial blood upon the Ark of the Covenant and their sins were covered and never reckoned thereafter (Lev. 16). They were symbolical to the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God (Heb. 8-10).

A sanctified soul should always remain under the protection of the blood of Christ. The Bible says, “and they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death (Rev.12:11). Any believer who abides in the covering of the blood of Christ will be protected from the inroads of the devil. In the time of fear and demonic attack, a believer can recite 'victory in the blood of Jesus' and feel safe. As long as a believer remains in the wrap of the blood of Christ, he will be safeguarded and protected well. No devil would dare to infiltrate into the spiritual covering of the blood of Christ.

2. Wrap of the Word of God

The Word of God is the next covering of a believer. A person gets rebirth experience by the Word of God (1Cori.4:15; Jam.1:18: 1Pt.1:23). In the biblical sense, a spiritual experience begins at the point of rebirth and without which no one can commence spiritual journey. Mere family background or denominational identity does not guarantee a spiritual life. It begins when some one obeys the Word of God and commits his life to fulfill the demands of the Scriptures. The primary quality of a person's love towards God and Jesus would be manifested in his love towards the Scriptures (Jn.14:15; 21). In fact, God promised His blessings upon the people Israel based on their obedience to the commandments of God (Deut.28:1-2).Many Christians achieve several material things through corrupt means and methods and believe that it is God's blessing. Once they become rich, people consider them respectful and place them in good positions in the church. We must discern God-given blessings as well as Satan-sponsored abundance.

The Word of God should dwell in our hearts so that we may not sin against God (Psa.119:11). The knowledge of the Scriptures empowers us to strive against the evil and envisions our life to the sanctity of God. Unless a person comprehends the Word of God correctly, he may not be able to fashion his life accordingly. Therefore, in the ecclesiastical context, applying proper hermeneutics in the preaching and teaching of the Word is very essential. Where there is no proper exposition of the Scriptures, believers are fallen into prey to the snares of the devil. The Word of God guards believers from worldliness and moral and doctrinal corruption and equips him to bear witness to others. A witnessing person will maintain an active worship life which enables him to lead an exemplary life style (Rom.12:1-2). So the Christian success depends on the deeper commitment to the Word of God. Martin Luther expressed his commitment to the Bible by saying that “here I stand.” It is unfortunate that many Christians consider the teachings of the Bible secondary and follow many unchristian practices. Bible is our canon for life and practice. We should remain within the security zone of the Word of God.

3. Wrap of the Prayer Life

While the above two elements are the provisional, the third factor is personal. Prayer is one of the key factors in the Christian success. All reputed women and men of God have set beautiful examples of prayer life. Indeed, Jesus practiced personal prayer life and the apostles successfully followed it. A Christian cannot limit himself to a mass or common prayer structure but needs to maintain a personal prayer life. Every time that we spend in prayer, we cherish the power of God to overcome the world and become energized for effective Christian life. Maintaining a regular prayer life is costly and tiresome but is essential for Christian growth. One can become a prayer warrior only by practicing it daily; neither academics nor denomination can afford it.

Spirituality and prayer life has an intimate relationship. During prayer, one discerns God's will for his life and the devices of the devil against it. So prayer becomes a guide and guard in an individual's life. Jesus reminded, “but watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man (Lk. 21: 36).” Apostle Paul exhorts that with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Eph.6:18). A Christian must pray always to withstand the diabolic and worldly temptations as well as to fulfill the will of God. When prayer lacks in a believer, spiritual protection is minimized, and Satan easily enslaves him. Therefore, for spiritual victory prayer is essential and significant.

4. Wrap of the Christian Family

“Home, home, sweet home, there is no place like home”, someone rightly indicated. In the modern, complex society, the role of family is awfully ignored. Today people are more interested in nuclear or no-family system. It is the abject denial of God's original plan for human family. When God called Abraham, He instructed him, “For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him(Gen.18:19).” Therefore, a godly family is God's area of operation where godliness begins and nurtures. As long as family is the basic unit of society, the strength and weakness of the family unit reflects upon it.

A Christian family plays an important in the spiritual growth of a believer. Many great leaders are products of good Christian families. Apostle Paul acknowledges the family influence of his beloved disciple Timothy (2 Tim. 1: 5). Praying parents are a valid asset for any Christian and their spiritual back up protect people from possible dangers of the world. Families, where children are emotionally suppressed and spiritually insecure become vulnerable to mediocrity and timidity. Family must be the first school where children can learn basic principles of life and challenges. Instead of getting wrong information from others, it is better that parents educate sensitive issues to their children and lead them properly. Children should have liberty to share their questions and doubts with parents and they must be clear in their opinions. Unfortunately, in the frantic life style of the modern world, many houses have become clubs than homes. There is no relationship or fellowship between the parents and children. No wonder, many teenagers are fond of other places than their homes. There are two mothers known in the Church History for their contribution of valuable children. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine was a source of influence in the life of her son, the theologian. Susanna, the mother of John Wesley, the great revivalist of the nineteenth century, was known as a 'mother with veil' because always her head was covered and lips were whispering in prayer.

In the Christian life style, family is the seed-plot of a person's prospects and must be nurtured warily. When a believer lacks or looses a godly family atmosphere, others must extend keen attention and defend him from isolation and the target of the devil. Some one rightly commented, “a family that prays together stays together.” Family prayer, spiritual support and godly guidance secure a Christian's reputation and carrier. Parents must honestly review whether children are safe or disgusted within the frame work of the family system. Job is a good example in family safeguarding (Job.1:4-5). By all means, both older and younger require a strong family tie for their spiritual growth and protection. Therefore, it is important to strengthen family relationship based on Christian values to be safe and secure.

5. Wrap of the Local Church

In His eternal plan for the Universal Church, God included the role of a local Church to prepare a chosen and sanctified people. Indeed, Christ died for the global church and He builds the same through the process of the local church members. Therefore, a Christian has dual partnership both with the local Church as well as the Universal church; no one can be abstained from either. Local churches are not only prompting the Gospel and winning souls but also they have responsibility to nurture and mature her believers. It is her duty to prepare believers to present before Christ without spot or wrinkle. When Apostle Peter, a senior shepherd, reminded the shepherds about vigilance (1Pt. 5: 8), he meant their redemptive vigilance, nutritive and preventive vigilance. It is the responsibility of the Church leadership to operate meaningful programmes for the spiritual and material developments of its members. Church should maintain a wholistic outlook within and outside the Church.

Christ has blessed His church with many spiritual gifts so that each member should exercise their respective gift for the common benefit of the Church as well as the glory of God. Spiritual gifts are not intended for personal profit or monetary benefits. When the church leadership is not sensible to the spiritual gifts of the members, they are not only neglecting God's investment in the church but also hinder the spiritual growth of the believers. Church is the representative of God in the world today and the world witnesses the work of God through the exercise of the spiritual gifts in the Church.

In the Christian defense, not only doctrinal safety checks but its practical implications are also equally important. Christian relationship in the local church is stronger than blood relations. The way believer's care for one another in the church is the typical example of Christ's love for His church. Church is not only a community of worship but also a community of fellowship. 'Fellowship' is a Christian word with a different connotation. There is friendship in the world but fellowship is only in the church. Early church was a classical illustration for the fellowship (Acts. 2: 43-47; 4:34-37). So, a strong chord of relationship with the local church is important for Christian safety.

6. Wrap of the Spiritual Mentoring

Spiritual mentoring is an important aspect of spiritual protection and growth. Many Christians do not know the need and the emphasis of mentoring. Mentoring involves a shoulder to bend on in times of pain and agony. No one is exempted from set backs, failures and loneliness; so it is necessary to look upon some one to share the sorrows and get comfort. Mentoring includes a kick at the back which means correction. A true mentor will extend the service of pruning; cutting into the shape. He would rectify when something goes wrong without fear or diminishing the personality for a good purpose. He would not exploit or exhibit the failures of the candidate under his mentoring. Mentoring also fosters profitable uplift. A real mentor will open wider opportunities to his friends and motivate them to get involve liberally. He will not be selfish to contain all opportunities under his custody but share with others. He will be a well-wisher of people and rejoice in promoting people into activities.

Apostle Paul, the great leader of the Church was influenced by many people at different levels. Barnabas, Aquila and Priscilla were a few who contributed in the shaping of Paul's successful ministry. A Christian's life is not an island rather it is an ocean. Unfortunately, many Bible Training Centres have no sense of mentoring and their graduates also do not practice the spirit of mentoring. Every Christian worker should volunteer himself to be mentored under matured servants of God for safeguarding their life and ministry. It is observed that many profitable men of God were failed in their spiritual journey due to the lack of proper mentoring. In times of temptation or trails Satan exploits their hearts and leads them to all possible destruction. Matured Christian mentoring is a strong shield to protect a Christian from the pit falls of the evil one.

7. Wrap of the Christian Leadership

The last spiritual protection mask is the Godly appointed leadership in the church. During the days of Judges and Kings, the people of Israel realized the danger of wrong leadership. Some of their Judges and Kings promoted the people to sin against Jehovah God and the nation suffered its consequences. It is worth while to mention that leadership comes from God and must be practiced in a godly manner. Down through the centuries, the Church have had gone with the wrong leadership and she had lost many of her values and systems. Thus, some denominations are functioning worse than the political and worldly system. It must be acknowledged that the poor laity is some have carrying the burden of some wrong leadership in the church. Though they have aversion to the bothering leadership, for the sake of the church and the fear of disciplinary action, they keep silence.

It is important to recognize the right leadership of the Church. The common query among the believers is that how do we identify the God-given leadership? The first and the foremost quality of a godly leadership is that it must be invested and not imposed. Leaders must be given by God and not forced upon the people. Today many leaders inherit leadership though God does not approve their position. Because of their genetic relationship or unholy alliance with the senior leader and snobbish powers they snatch away leadership. They come to the power with certain hidden agenda and have no heart for the people. A Pentecostal Bishop, Bible College Director and Television preacher in Visakhapatanam used to tell his students, “A Christian leader must work with his head not with heart.” This is the attitude of some Christian leaders in the church today. They consider Christian ministry as a means of enhancing their wealth and position. Jesus is the best example of a Christian (Heb.12:1-2). He did not move after the head but with heart (Mat.14:14). The second sign of quality leadership is passion for the people. The leader must be people-oriented person. The office of leadership is to serve the people (1Pet. 5: 2-3). Today leaders follow the reverse order of 'loving the people and using the things'. Now they love things and use people. Such leaders are a curse to the Christian community and God's Kingdom agenda.

It is important for Christian leaders to read often Spiritual Leadership by Oswald sanders and The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make by Hans Finzel. It will provide guidelines for successful leadership. It is observed that many Christian leaders do not attend any course on leadership and upgrade their leadership quality; thus they fail to solve the present challenges and crisis amicably. Denominations and Mission organizations must promote projects to upgrade their leadership time to time.

However, it is necessary for the Christian community to be shielded under the proper and matured leadership. Nevertheless, the leaders are the watchmen of the flock of God (Eze.33) and their exemplary life style and function will protect the people from all unworthy life systems (Heb.13:7). When one leader falls, Satan targets hundred other believers. Therefore, Christians must take care of the leadership and follow their godly ways.

In conclusion, every believer must discern the game plans of the evil one and must examine whether I am in the safe zone or not? The devil is more alert than ever before to dissuade Christians from their life goals because his days are short.