The Real Enemy

“At the start of World War I, the British War Ministry dispatched a coded message to officials in a British colony in a remote area of Africa. The message said, “War declared. Arrest all enemy aliens in your district.” They got a prompt reply: “Have arrested ten Germans, six Dutch, four French, two Italians, three Austrians, and an American. Please advise immediately who we’re at war with.”*

It’s very difficult to win a war if you are not sure of the identity of the enemy. Christians are often deceived into thinking that fellow believers are their enemies. And such misguidance leads them to mistreat and abuse other disciples of Christ. But the Bible is clear. Our brothers and sisters in the family of God are not the enemy! There were some Christians in the church in Thessalonica who were causing problems (2 Thessalonians 3:6-11). The Apostle Paul goes on to share ways to deal with the troublemakers (2 Thessalonians 3:12-14). But note what he says in v. 15: “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

But if fellow Christians are not the enemy, then who is? The Scriptures are also clear about that. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:11–12). Our real adversary is the devil, not one another. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”

(1 Peter 5:8). But if the devil can convince us to fuss and fight with each other instead of focusing on the real enemy, he gains an advantage (cf. Galatians 5:15).

Let’s devote our strength and resources to fighting our real enemy. Nothing good comes from fighting with each other.

God loves you!

Mike

*preaching.com