The story is told of a naval battle which took place over two hundred years ago. During the height of that fierce engagement, the captain in command of an English man-o’war happened to see two of his sailors fighting with each other. As he watched, the argument became more heated and the two came to blows. Rushing down to the deck, he stepped between them, pushed them apart, and, pointing to the attacking enemy vessel across the water, cried, “Men, men! The enemy is over there!”
Christians have also forgotten who the enemy is.
Causes of Enmity
Bitterness, offenses real and imagined, differences of lifestyle and opinions, personality conflicts: These all have, at times, caused brethren in Christ each one redeemed by His precious blood to come to spiritual blows with each other when they ought to have been united together in “the good fight of faith.”
Satan has been very successful in causing believers to view each other as enemies, getting us to engage in destructive personal conflicts with one another.
The Enemy Is Who?
The devil is our enemy (1 Peter 5:8).
The world is our enemy (James 4:4).
The flesh is our enemy (Rom. 8:7).
But where do we read in Scripture that the “brother... for whom Christ died” is our enemy?
There is no Scriptural warrant for such thinking. In fact, the very opposite is taught in the Bible.
Disobedience to Whose Word?
Even in the sad case of one who walks in willful disobedience to God’s Word, we are clearly commanded not to view such as an enemy. “If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thess. 3:14-15).
We also should take note that it is the apostles’ word (doctrine), not our own thoughts, that is to determine the kind of conduct from which we are to withdraw. Disagreements don’t always require separation. Paul fought with beasts (unsaved idolaters) at Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32), but he wept over the enemies of the cross worldly Christians (Phil. 3:18).
Perhaps we need to weep more and fight less.
The Sword or the Towel?
There’s a difference in refusing fellowship because of willful disobedience and using the Word as a sword to figuratively chop off a believer’s ear who does not agree with our personal exercises.
Is there something you are unhappy about in the life of your brother or sister in Christ? Why not follow our blessed Lord’s example in John 13. Get a bowl of pure water from the Word, a soft towel of affections for Christ, and a large supply of humility. Then kneel down to help the erring believer.
Washing feet works much better than stepping on toes let’s wash them, not stamp on them.
The Sad Fruit of Strife
There are at least three solemn testimonies of dishonor to His blessed name given when we do battle with each other.
1. The angels, who ought to see a display of God’s wisdom in the assembly (Eph. 3:10) and a display of submission in believers (1 Cor. 11:10), see, rather, an exhibit of Christ-dishonoring, bitter fighting among members of His body.
2. The world, which ought to be able to bear testimony that “God is in you of a truth” (1 Cor. 14:25), instead observes warfare, conflict and fleshly spirits of divisiveness displayed by those who bear the holy name of Christ in this scene.
3. Our children, who learn best, not by what we say, but what we do, early learn to copy our angry spirits, finally abandoning those brethren whom Christ desires they love, serve and walk with (1 Cor. 16:15; Gal. 5:13).
No Excuses
In a day of weakness when the spirit of apostasy is already at work, we are to “earnestly contend for the” truth, seeking to “maintain good works.” But never are we to battle against each other!
Our Lord Jesus teaches us that it is peacemakers (not pieces makers) who are the blessed.
Our Lord Jesus teaches that we are to love rather than strike out at each other. And He also tells us the measure of that love is “as I have loved you.”
The spiritually strong are to “support the weak,” not use their spiritual strength to hurt, offend or destroy them. May we have grace to obey His Word.
“They mocked... and despised... and misused... till there was no remedy” (2 Chron. 36:16).
Ed.