It doesn't matter how much time you spend fighting a problem, if the real source of the problem is not discovered and dealt with from the root, it keeps reoccurring. The so-called fight becomes worthless.
First, you must be able to understand who your adversary is, then you would be able to know how or where to channel your attention and armour to.
People think their sole enemy is the man with the gun, seeking their life, or the one throwing insults at them. They then invest their time and resources to ensuring they get rid of that personality. The truth is that bad guys never go on extinction. When one is cut off, another rises, more furious and bloodyer than the former. This is because they are not the sole problem; there is an instigator who keeps inciting them, they are just people who have allowed themselves victimized by this initiator with his agents against humanity.
Who is then our adversary? This is who your adversary is not: not your neighbour or colleague at the place of work, or even the thug in the streets.
The Holy Book (Bible) tells us vividly who the adversary is in the real sense and his agents.
See 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." And in Ephesians 6:12, "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."
Now, principalities, powers, were fallen spirits (once a part of heavenly bodies). They roam around the earth, sometimes they decide the fate of many who live without true spiritual backing, other times they stand as hindrances in the way of just simply, innocent people trying to hustle for survival. Just like Daniel, in the book of Daniel, whose answers to prayers were withheld, until there came an intervention, such victims of spiritual manipulation would remain in perpetual bondage.
I made mention of Altars in my introduction. They are of two types, altars of darkness and altar of light. But then, in general, what does an ALTAR actually represent?
*A- Ark (Something affording protection; safety, shelter, refuge.)
*L- Leverage (any influence which is compounded or used to gain an advantage.)
*T- Table (or cabinet - group of people sitted to have a deliberation.)
*A- Arrangements (preparations for some undertaking.)
*R- Rigging OR Resolving (to manipulate something dishonestly for personal gain or discriminatory purposes.)
1. ARK
Humanity is prone to destruction, detriment, and degradation. And so, many seek refuge. The ark, just like it was used in the time of Noah (in the Bible), is being used by people for safety today. Actually, am not talking about a physical ark, am talking about a virtual and invisible ark. Those in the political sector, use their influence as refuge; those serving idols, use rituals and sacrifices as a means to get security from their gods; while those having religious beliefs, believe in their God, by faith, for safety. Whichever way, the point here is that you must be aware that the Ark here is an element of an altar, raised and used as defense against an enemy. And as a Christian (which I choose to be), your faith, trust and hope in God gives you the covering that you need against the fiery darts of the enemies. This we could find in Ephesians 6:16, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
2. LEVERAGE
By extension, we could say leverage is simply an influence used to gain an advantage. What do people use to gain advantage in our world today? Fund (or money), Fame (or reputation), Force (or power). If you don't have any of these, the society sees you as a nobody, like literally. That's why the rich trample upon the peasant, their money makes them feel they've got all they need, and you dare not have issues with them; then some use their reputation to cause havoc in the land, because they think since they have the fame and name, that would build the influence they need to do whatever they like without being questioned; and others use their political or military power to oppress the masses. However, for those who wait upon the Lord, or put their trust in Him, shall renew their strength. I think that is a greater height of wealth, if you would ask me, 'cause literally, it takes good meal for one's strength to be renewed, right? So, if the Lord says He's gonna renew your strength when you put your trust in Him, then wow, this is riches!
They also shall mount up, just like the eagles do with wings. This is way greater than political positions, or earthly fame. That's the promise we've got in Christ.
3. TABLE
You would agree with me that the 'High Table' in most assemblies are usually antagonistic in nature.
Please, pardon me to cite a good explanation from the movie, "John Wick":
"The High Table are the main antagonists of the John Wick film series...It is a council of twelve crime lords that govern the underworld's most powerful criminal organizations. It is considered the ultimate authority of the underworld and is feared and respected by all, including Winston Scott and even John Wick. The organizations represented by members of the High Table have many police forces, politicians, and bureaucrats around the world in their pockets, allowing them to conduct business with virtual impunity. The High Table was led by The Elder, who dwelled in the deserts of Morocco."
Even in our real world today, they do exist: people who are above the law. Some work underground to commit secret atrocities is or strategizing ways to end the existence of good people, thereby making themselves stronger and wealthier and more famous.
However, am glad that a 'Higher Table' does exist far above the clouds, where the Lord sits in majesty. This Table is 'antagonistic', so to speak, against the devil and his agents, who are wandering all over the world.
Now, just the way government of the world, principalities and powers do have a table where cases are deliberated, so also, you (as a Christian) could be part of heaven's in prayers.
4. ARRANGEMENTS
When people make sacrifices to their gods, that is arrangement. When political leaders decide on things to embark on in a society, that is arrangement.
So, even as the wicked plan to harm the innocent, the Lord prepares a table before them (the righteous) in the presence of their enemies.
5. RIGGING
One definition of Rigging is manipulation of something in dishonestly. It happens a lot in politics, especially in Africa (my continent). Who the masses voted for is different from who is sworn the winner.
Rigging is a very secret element of an altar. It happens underground. The kingdom of darkness does the same; they gather to manipulate things happening in the real world, and one would begin to wonder why are certain things happening, which clearly are not supposed - in any way - to happen. Manipulation!
Be assured that, for them that put their faith in God, everything would happen for good. And the counsel of the ungodly shall be turned to foolishness.