Without question, the church is in a battle, a Herculean struggle of global proportions. The greatest danger of human history faces it (cf. Rom. 6:23). The greatest army fights it (cf. Eph. 6:12). The greatest Commander leads it (cf. Heb. 2:10). The greatest warriors have filled its ranks (cf. II Tim. 2:3). Jesus came "not to send peace, but a sword" (Matt. 10:34). This war isn't for the weak in heart or faint in spirit. Spiritual cowards and deserters are held in highest divine disdain (e.g., II Tim. 4:10).
Having said all that, there is a mentality we must fight with all our collective strength. Being in this spiritual battle gives no Christian the right or license to behave like a spiritual "attack dog," to assault or insult with sharp words, or be obnoxious or rude in presenting the gospel (which, remember, means good news). The purpose of the battle is two-fold: defeat Satan and save the lost. Losing sight of our aim means jeopardizing our mission. We can repel the very souls we're trying to save through foolish tactics. Consider the following:
The battle for souls is not a battle WITH souls.
Remember who the adversary is. He is Satan! We're not out to slash or burn people (cf. Eph. 6:12). We are trying to reach the lost--not mow them down. Jude 22,23 exhorts - "And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh." Some require stronger persuasion than others, but no one should be made to feel contempt, haughtiness, or assaulted.
The battle for souls is not a battle about WHO is right.
This battle must never be reduced to "me versus them." The only winner of that battle is Satan. Maintaining a spirit like Paul's, each of us should say - "To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given..." (Eph. 3:8). We must fight with humility and meekness. The battle is for truth, not against another person. Our aim is not to shoot down the other guy's position, to mortally wound his religion, or bomb his beliefs. The positive effect of truth, when believed, is the rejection of human creeds and religions. Let the truth work in that fashion (cf. Heb. 4:12). It doesn't need our help through rancorous and vicious attacks on the lost person.
The battle for souls is not a battle fought by carnal rules of warfare.
We are not out to kill. We are out to rescue. We are going into the enemy's camp and trying to recruit soldiers for the Lord's cause. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds" (II Cor. 10:4). We are not looking to shoot when we see the whites of their eyes. We are not going to shoot first and then ask questions later. We are not out to "show them." We are seeking to save.