Facing Our Enemies

Thought for Today - September 25
Facing Our Enemies
By: Robert A. Searles

     When we answer the call to be a volunteer in the service of the Lord, we must be prepared to face enemies that we have never had to face before.  We will find ourselves in a spiritual combat zone.  Giants of adversity will constantly be rising up before us and we will seem to be as sheep among wolves.  There are many wolves in the world who pretend to be fellow sheep and clothe themselves in sheep's clothing: of these we must be aware, and when we are among them we must be wise as servants, but harmless as doves.

     Ungodly, wicked men do not appreciate hearing about their wickedness and sin, and are not gospel friendly.  The preaching of the truth of God's word is an abomination to the wicked, therefore, we must be aware of men for they will deliver us up to judges, and councils and imprisonment.  Sometimes our most subtle enemies are members of our own household: wives against husbands; husbands against wives; children against parents; brother against brother.

     The world hated Christ and wanted him put away, and we can be sure that those of us who love him and are soldiers of the cross will be hated also.  We must remain strong and of good courage. We already know, according to the word of God, the final outcome of this war.  We are, and forever shall be, more than conquerors through Christ our Lord and captain of our salvation.

     Jesus said: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye  therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  But beware of men: for  they will deliver you up to councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues, and you shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the gentiles.  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.  For it is  not ye that speak but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death and ye shall be hated of all men for  my name's sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” M atthew 10: 16-22