I met my first enemy in kindergarten. Before that, I didn’t watch out or peer into eyes looking for anything more than eyeballs. A punch to my gut changed my understanding of who walks this world with me. I don’t remember his name, but he stood taller than I did, never speaking to me before or after. Who was your first enemy?
Oxford says an “enemy” is someone who is “actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.” Merriam-Webster even says it’s someone who “is antagonistic to another; especially: one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent.” Maybe we do learn our most vital lessons in kindergarten. That day in Mrs. Payes’s kindergarten, I learned that I have enemies.
We have enemies
Before we know we have enemies, we do. From day one. But we’re still stunned when we get punched. While God moved to give us life, the evil thief the Bible calls Satan moved the opposite way. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10) God sent His Son as the response to that punch, saying, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Enemies don’t need names, just agendas. My first enemy remains un-named in my memory; maybe it’s better that way. But other enemies since have names (and faces) I’d like to forget. Enemies take what isn’t theirs, cut with words, belittle with smirks, manipulate with lies, and turn their backs with cruelty. We don’t have to let those who would destroy good things in our lives have the power to destroy our lives.
Let’s not think too long about who’s on our personal list of “most wanted.” We know who our enemies have been, and they have a place in our memories and in the stories of who we became.
Enemies thrive in chaos
In chaotic times like today, opinions and emotions run high. For example, enemies rise up over issues like vaccines, ethnicity, and theology. There’s nothing like a Pandemic and cultural upheaval to create a swamp where conflict festers. Who was “antagonistic … seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound” you in 2020-21?
With intensity swirling around us, people hurt people. Satan loves the wounding, the division, and the scars. When the Bible says, “The wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23) God speaks of our physical life as well as the goodness intended for that life. Evil brings the death of loyalty, hope, kindness, cooperation, service, understanding, and so much more.
Even if you don’t know the name of the Evil ring leader, he’s had an agenda to kill good things in your life from the day your life was conceived. He keeps that same nasty agenda for people you love. Who punches a kindergartener?!?! Someone doing damage to something good.
Know your enemies or get hurt
We don’t have to know why an enemy acts to have one. Many enemies act for what feels like no reason or for what seems like a bad reason. Either way, if we don’t recognize an enemy, we’ll get hurt. Here are characteristics of the Enemy who loves behavior contrary to God’s ways (sin):
- Enemies murder and don’t tell the truth (John 8:44)
- Enemies look for others to use and destroy (1 Peter 5:8)
- Enemies use doubt to draw people from truth they know (Genesis 3:1)
- Enemies are used by the leader of Evil (Ephesians 2:2)
- Enemies pose as something good at first (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Don’t wait until you’re punched to prepare
You’re already in the presence of your enemies. But enemies don’t have to destroy us if we’re alert and expecting them (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy you encounter may not be a big, punching kinder kid. Your enemy may be a well coiffed woman with a killer (Dead give away right there …) Linked In profile or a peer posing as a friend. (Look back at #5)
So, who antagonizes you or opposes those you love? It may shock us when we’re mistreated and realize someone hostile opposes us, however, we shouldn’t wait to be assaulted to prepare for it. Even Christians with an identity as followers of Jesus will be hated by the world around them. (John 15:18-19)
Be sure, everyone will get “punched” by a bad actor at some point. The “powers of this dark world” and the “spiritual forces of evil” will make sure of it (Ephesians 6:10-18). Above all, that’s why habits helping us to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10) are a good idea. Enemies are out there. The Enemy makes sure of that.
Later this month we’ll talk about how to treat the enemy, how to find strength when staring down the enemy, how to know if YOU’re the enemy (my confession here), and why I watched British crime shows to get me through the Pandemic.
- This is a book I recommend that tells the story of one woman’s survival when held captive by enemies.
- This is a podcast where I talk about Tuning Our Hearts to the Frequency of Forgiveness.
- Here’s a recent article I wrote for Crosswalk about 5 Best Things About Marrying Your Best Friend.
