The Enemy
Who it is not
2nd Corinthians 10:3
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
In order to properly identify who the enemy is, one needs to come to terms with the truth found in the above passage of Scripture. While it is true that we are physical, are alive and walk this earth in the flesh, it is not in the flesh where one’s struggle is focused. If one’s struggle is in the flesh, then such a person does not understand the true nature of the battle which he faces.
Ephesians 6:12
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
What we wish to point out in the above passage at this time is that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, that is, we do not struggle against other people. People are not our enemy. We may think this at times, but it simply is not true.
Here is what I think happens all too often. One person or one group demonizes another person or group. By demonizing them, by attaching unkind labels, it somehow makes that other person or group less than human. Thus, they can be declared the enemy. Regardless of what label is attached to a person or a group, regardless of what that other person or group is doing, regardless of what that other person’s or group’s theological stand may be, they are not the enemy and our struggle is not against them.
However, I really have to wonder if each one of us on a subconscious level knows the truth of the above passage, we do not wrestle with flesh and blood. Instinctively, we know that other person is not our enemy, even though that other person may think he is, or even act like he is, he is not. It seems to me that deep down somewhere we know this. This is why so many feel the need to demonize others, to justify acting like those others are our enemy.
2nd Corinthians 4:4
in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Mashiach, who is the image of Elohim, should not dawn upon them.
A lot of groups or individuals spend a lot of time attaching labels to other groups or individuals in an attempt to “prove” that they are the enemy. When, in fact, what this actually proves is such a person or group does not really understand the spiritual nature of the conflict. Often, these groups or individuals who are doing this labeling, demonizing, are attempting to show that these others are blind, misguided, and unbelieving, when what they are really revealing is their own blindness.
Romans 8:6-7
6 For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
7 because the mind of the flesh is enmity against Elohim; for it is not subject to the law of Elohim, neither indeed can it be.
It is time that the entire body of Mashiach understands this simple truth. Demonizing and labeling only brings division. This is not what the true battle consists of simple because we are not to wage war according to the flesh, but rather in the spirit.
The battle is for the mind. If one is spending a lot of time attempting to demonize and label others for any reason, then such a person is actually losing the battle for his own mind. And until such a person stops waging war in the flesh, he shall not be victorious in his spirit.
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as it depends upon you, be at peace with all men.
This means to stop being antagonistic towards others, stop labeling, stop demonizing others. Speak shalom (peace) and shalom you shall reap.
Shabbat Shalom
Zerubbabel ben Emunah
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