Do not fight the wrong enemy

“But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men’” (Matt. 16:23 NKJ).

Jesus had just told the disciples that He was going to be killed, and Peter took Him aside and rebuked Him! He turned to Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan!” Can you imagine the shock and awkwardness in Peter’s face after hearing those words? Had Jesus just called him Satan? You see, we are dealing with a very smart and cunning enemy, and failing to recognize him when he shows up is one of the causes of most of our defeats.

There was nothing outward to suggest any satanic activity. Peter said what might have appeared to be what any caring friend would have said. But his actions were beyond his own comprehension. He was acting under an influence he had no clue about. He was not possessed, but was influenced. If you fail to recognize the real enemy, you will fight your spouse, boss, coworker, friend, family, or even neighbors. Be sober and address the real enemy behind the behaviors and attitudes you encounter. If you fight the wrong battle, you will face many human enemies that are not really your enemy. Learn to see beyond what is obvious to ordinary eyes. The Word of God shines light to your path. What you have just read teaches you that there might be an unseen influence behind the unrest and arguments in your home. Do not fight the wrong enemy!

MEDITATE

Where was the battlefield of the warfare in Peter’s life? See the phrase “for you are not MINDFUL of the things of God.”

APPLY THE WORD

Have you developed enemies or hated people because of some behaviors? Could it be that they are not the real enemy? Change your mindset about how you approach challenges in your life today.