Recognizing the 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV)

On Friday afternoon, I was discussing this passage with several guys I meet with weekly.  It seems even more appropriate after the events of Friday evening in Paris.  I was pointing out to them the need to recognize we live on a spiritual battleground, whether we recognize it or not.  As Peter says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8)

With what happened in Paris reverberating in our minds, this passage is a good reminder to us that we live in a fallen world ruled by the devil. Radical jihadists, mass murderers, pedophiles, and the like are merely his pawns in his objective to “steal, kill, and destroy.” And if you are tempted to think Paul is writing some type of “Pollyannaish” mush, remember that he is writing in the context of Christians being covered in animal skins and given to lions for their consumption, and being crucified, set on fire, and used as torches to light the emperor’s gardens.  The jihadists and mass shootings may be terrifying to us today, but what was occurring in the 1st Century was no less terrifying and reprehensible.

Yet, Paul reminds us the perpetrators of these atrocities are not our real enemies.  Rather, our war is against Satan and his minions.  If we make it against the humans, we focus on the wrong target.  This is why Jesus calls us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us and to do good to those who hate us (Matthew 5:43-44; Luke 6:27-28).  The real enemy is not of flesh and blood.

And, too, God is not the least bit intimidated by those who threaten or enact reigns of terror.  The Psalmist says he laughs at their pretense of power (37:13).  They may terrify us; they don’t scare Him in the least. So Paul can confidently say, “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power,” because although current events may frighten us, He who is within us is greater than he who is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Today, regardless of what is happening in the world or around you, know the Lord is in control.  Be strong in Him and resist hating those who seek to oppose us and kill us.  They are not the real enemy. Rather, stand firm in faith and love—for those are our most effective weapons in the spiritual battle we face.

© Jim Musser 2015