Your Real Enemy

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV)

I have several Facebook friends who, from a political standpoint, are on totally opposite sides.  Though they do not know each other, they would each consider the other an “enemy.”  Though they are Christians, they unknowingly hold each other in contempt for the others’ views.  To the ones on the right side of the political spectrum, the others on the left are morons, hate America, and will ruin the country if their views prevail.  To the ones on the left side, the right-wingers are idiots, false patriots, and will ruin the nation if allowed to govern.  

As the 2016 presidential race begins, these Christian friends will likely let everyone know how much they despise the Republicans or the Democrats and, without knowing it, each other because of the political views they hold.  This is one of the devil’s most effective schemes. While he and his horde is our greatest enemy, he seeks to turn our attention toward one another, to bring us into conflict, despising and hating one another.  

The spiritual reality is that neither President Obama, nor former presidents Bush or Clinton, or the Democrats or the Republicans are our real enemies.  And if we have come to believe that, then we have been deceived by the Great Schemer, who seeks to blind us to the facts.  As Paul reveals to us, our real enemy resides in the spiritual realm and we would be wise to recognize it.  He is at war with the Lord and His followers and is more than pleased to have us fight each other.  

Obviously, we have a right in this country to hold whatever political views we choose.  However, as followers of Jesus, we must realize we have a higher calling than the petty squabbles over political positions. There is a bigger fight in which we are to be engaged—against the evil forces that reside in the heavenly realms.  And for those who contend that certain political views are evil, the fact remains evil cannot be defeated by means designed by human beings.  Spiritual weapons are required.  

The Enemy seeks to turn our attention away from him because that is when he is the strongest.  But when we are aware of his schemes (II Corinthians 2:10-11), we can defeat him.

Today, recognize that your real enemy is not a liberal or conservative, not a political party, or even someone out to do you harm.  Your real enemy is the devil whose sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10) Be wise enough to know the difference.   

© Jim Musser 2015