Identity of the Enemy

While it is possible to be overly fascinated with them, it is important to remember the existence of Satan and his minions. This is because it reminds us who the real enemy is (Ephesians 6:10-13; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Now we need to put this in perspective and realize that Christ is victorious (Colossians 2:15; 1 John 4:4; Revelation 20:10). But it is important to remember that we have a powerful enemy. That the things that get in the way of our serving God are not accidents. We therefore need to trust in God and in His power to overcome (Proverbs 3:5,6; Psalms 127:1,2; Isaiah 40:31). But this also means we need to avoid seeing other people as the enemy. We are to love other people no matter what they do to us (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:9-21; Galatians 6:10). In this, it helps if we can remember that those oppose us have been blinded by the real enemy (2 Corinthians 4:3,4; Hebrews 2:15; Ephesians 2:2). Therefore, we need to  remember who the foe is and what he does, that we may avoid becoming too complacent and be on the alert without becoming paranoid.