Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
Our world is radically divided. In fact, differences, difficulties, and separations are a part of what fills our news stations and most of our entertainment. Living in a world that promotes and celebrates divisions—be it racial, ethnic, political, religious, or ideological—it is all too easy to view our fellow humans as the enemy. That’s the real enemy’s best trick—to get us riled up about the puppets he is using to get us out of faith and into our flesh. Believers must recognize that behind the scenes of every human conflict and beyond the visible issue of human interactions, lies our real enemy, Satan.
The principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness operate in the shadows, manipulating humans against one another to sow seeds of discord. Those spiritual wicked forces blind humanity from the real problem of sin and the powers of darkness.
When that person at work offends you, remember that they are being used.
When that family member said something to bother you, remember who the real enemy is.
You and I do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the powers of the enemy.
When we recognize the real enemy, we can then engage in spiritual warfare with discernment, wisdom, and faith.
Do not fall prey to the narrative that the enemy is trying to play in your life. People are not the enemy, the devil is. Fight with faith.
Practical Application
Take time to pray for those who you feel are against you and those are attacking you. Pray that the enemy can no longer use them as puppets for his will. Pray that the eyes of their understanding be opened and that they see the truth of how they have been used. Pray they are released from the enemy’s hold.