Attack the Real Enemy, Not People
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Aug 29, 2024
- 2 min read
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:14-18)
Satan often attacks believers with other people he uses as puppets. Don’t fight against flesh and blood; they are only being used as tools. The media will try to pit race against race or class against class. The goal of the news media is to make things so tense and provocative that more fighting happens and more news is created. It’s a perpetual cycle to get them more views, power, and money. Please don’t listen to what they are saying.
Paul wrote to Timothy, his protege, about the harm done to him by Alexander, the coppersmith, but reminded him that God saw every attack, God strengthened him through it, and God still plans to deliver.
Paul wrote his letter to warn Timothy that not everyone with him was for him. That’s important for us to remember today because the enemy will send people your way to mess with you and God’s plan for your life. This is called persecution, and it is one way the enemy will try to destroy the Word from being planted in your heart and bringing increase into your life.
When people are messing with your peace, attitudes are messing with your joy, and bickering and backbiting are happening around you, decide that the enemy will not fool you into attacking people. Attack the real enemy and change the atmosphere!
Practical Application
Like Paul, you must decide to pray for those who are seemingly against you. Ask God not to lay their actions to their charge. Maintain a heart of love and forgiveness. Your heart on kingdom-mindedness disarms the enemy and keeps you spiritually fortified.
