The Bible often uses the metaphor of life as a conflict, a battle, a war. Ephesians 6 encourages us to get up each morning and put on the spiritual armor of a Roman Centurion.

If we fight in a war, but can’t tell the difference between our allies and enemies, we’re in real trouble. This verse makes something crystal clear: people are not our enemies. Not a single human is our true enemy. Our real enemies are spiritual forces of wickedness. The true enemy of our souls promises us life but only delivers death.

When we choose to see the truth, we are more apt to make choices in alignment with what God wants for our lives. And the truth is that neither circumstances nor others are ever our root problem. Each human has that spark of Divinity within from having been made in His image. Our real enemy is the whispering manipulation of darkness (both internally and externally). The flesh wants us to turn on each other, and on ourselves.

But God provides a better way. When we properly name our enemy, we can fight effectively. The demons flee at Jesus’ name. Believers have the power of the Spirit. We are in this together. God has provided us all the weapons we need. It is our choice to put them on. Our faith is our defense. Truth is our sword. If we resist, we win.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
– Ephesians 6:12