Who is the real enemy? The answers to this question will be so diverse from different persons depending on their experiences and observation. However, for the purpose of this article, the following viewpoints are being addressed. Some individuals may see Satan as the enemy, or the church as the enemy. Others may highlight the Government as the enemy. Additionally, there is an illustration of how the devil can also use family members and friends to bring you down. The article concludes with the plea to bless and pray for your enemies.
The devil has been a known enemy ever since God threw him out of Heaven. In fact, he is the creator of sin and was the one who deceived Eve and Adam into eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Throughout creation Satan, who is the ruler of the earth, has been wreaking havoc on the minds of mankind. He even tempted Jesus in the wilderness – begging him to bow down and worship Him. In return the devil was offering Christ the governments of the world. The devil also controls many other systems of the world including, sports, business, music and the media to name a few. Scripture tells us that people are not our problem. We have to guard ourselves against principalities, rulers of the dark world and spiritual wickedness in high places. The enemy and his agents will be chasing you down relentlessly in order to steal the gift that you were born with. The enemy is after your mind and it is his desire to wear you down. We have to be strong in the Lord because our strength alone is not enough for the warfare in the spiritual realm.
The Church is being criticized frequently for not preaching the original message that was initially intended. This critique was also observed by Jesus during His time on earth. Let me state here that it was religious leaders who opposed and killed Jesus. He once noted that the religious leaders were honoring God with their lips, but their hearts were far from serving Him. Are we seeing the same trend today? Not everyone who says Lord, Lord, is a genuine friend of God.
Some persons may argue that the Government is the enemy. The other day I saw a bumper sticker on a jeep with the following words: “I love my country. It is the Government I am afraid of.” The late Princess Diana openly called the royal family the “enemy.” If you listen carefully, this is the cry of most persons nowadays. The people elect governments to look out for their interests. Sadly, the politicians are looking out for themselves,. In addition, they are taxing the poor to death and giving duty free concessions to their rich friends. Proper Government infrastructure is also lacking and the availability of adequate social services, including hospital, schools sporting and outreach community programmes, is are nonexistent. On the other hand, Ministers of Government and their elite friends fly overseas for medical treatment and entertainment. It is said that, “The worst evils which mankind has ever had to endure were inflicted by bad governments.”. Milton Friedman also noted that, “The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem.”
When you are called by the Maker to do an assignment for Him, as I noted earlier, the enemy will do all in His power to prevent you from being successful in achieving it. This tells us that God and the enemy will be at work at the same time. The devil’s intention is to destroy you. Having enemies may be the best thing that ever happened to you, as God will allow them to advance His purpose in your life and for His glory. The enemy will use family members against each other – for example, husband against wife and vice versa, and brother against brother. The enemy sends spirits of division in homes because he knows the power of unity. Scripture tells us that a house divided against itself will not stand. The good news about these attacks is that they turn out to be a blessing in disguise, and they ultimately serve to refine your anointing and to push you closer to your divine purpose.
On the other hand, the reason for having an enemy may be unavoidable. The Creator may promote you in a position, and you will suddenly become a target for haters and naysayers. Most persons are not happy for you despite them having knowledge of your humble beginnings, and how hard you worked to get where you are. They jealous your gift, talent and your influence. You also begin to know who your real friends are, as most of them will also betray you for a green dollar. This is a wicked and evil world we are living in today. The enemy will come after you like a vicious sword using the same people who are close to you to destroy you.
The devil, often referred to as the enemy, is real and he has been cunningly deceiving mankind since the creation of the world. The devil has been able to penetrate churches, governments, the entertainment and business industries. Satan has been also able to put spirits of division in the homes turning family members against each other. The devil attacks you more – using your friends and enemies when you are called to fulfill a purpose for the Maker. Our Creator allows some things, that He does not approve of, in order to give us the experience of being Overcomers and to demonstrate His power and glory. So how should we respond to our enemies, and to those who turn on you? We are to bless those that curse and misuse us, do good to those that ridicule and hurt you, and pray for those that mistreat you. It is not your job to get back at your enemies. “Vengeance is mines, ” says the Lord. Remember what is meant for your harm, God uses for His glory and for the growth of His kingdom here on earth.
