The Enemy

I was with a group of our church members last evening, who were talking of the problems they have had with others from their families, particularly since they chose to follow Jesus. It sounded like a war zone.

While the Kenyan authorities work to regain control of the Westgate shopping centre, much interest has been focused on al-Shabab. Who are they, and what do they want, and so on.

It has long been important to know more about 'the enemy', in order to be able to counter their attempts to bring ruin and destruction. Hence, the countless books and articles on various faces of Islam, and the relentless anti-foreigner rhetoric from this government and many of our newspapers and other media. 

There clearly are groups within the Muslim world that are bad for all sorts of societies, and we need to be aware of them. But to tar all Muslims with the same brush is unhelpful and runs counter to the call of Jesus for us to 'love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us'.

And when there are struggles and arguments within our families and communities, it might be tempting to fight fire with fire, and to descend into angry shouting.

St. Paul, in writing to his friends in Ephesus, which was a very cosmopolitan and pagan city, tells them who they are fighting against. 'A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.' (Ephesians 6.10-13)

We do have a spiritual enemy, whose intention is to drag us down, to divert us from our calling, and to destroy our love for Jesus, and our unity with one another. And yet we have overwhelming resources to deal with this powerful spiritual attack, because we have God on our side, and his armour - the all-sufficient character and life of Jesus around us and within - will enable us to stand firm when we are under pressure.

So let us not develop unhealthy attitudes to those who attack us - whether family members or others who may have violence in mind.

Let us entrust ourselves to Jesus, and shine for him, wearing his armour.

Best wishes,

Richard