Who Is Our Enemy?

  Lately I realize more and more the truth of Paul's statement to the Ephesians that "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" (Eph 6:12).  And as James says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?  You want something but don't get it.  You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.  You quarrel and fight"  (James 4:1-2). If our enemy is not a flesh-and-blood person, then killing that person is not the answer.  Killing and war are not the solutions that so many people think they are.
  As Christians we must take the battle where it belongs.  It is a spiritual battle of good against evil, of control over the minds and hearts of people, because a person devoted to God seeks peace not war and death.  Whether the battle is between nations or just two people, as Christians we must identify the real enemy and engage the battle there.

  For reflection:  Am I able to identify the true enemy facing me?  Facing my family?  Facing my country?
  Let us pray.  Father, I ask for discernment in identifying the true identity of the enemy facing me.  And I ask for the spiritual weapons I need to defeat that enemy.  I also need greater love for the people who appear to be my enemies.  Help me to see them as you see them.

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