In Search of An Enemy

Have you ever noticed how little kids often quarrel over the silliest things? A borrowed toy, the remote control, who last performed a chore, or who was the first in line. As our children mature (and with good parenting) these inconsequential confrontations tend to subside. While there may arise heated disagreements from time to time, mutual respect typically prevails. Of course, this is only true if they manage to garner the minimum amount of humility which only age and proper instruction affords. This also assumes children have good role models, are taught self-discipline, and are not rewarded for giving into passions and obstinate opinions. However, I think most of us agree such guidance is becoming increasingly scarce and only basic social norms of conduct hinder us from ripping each other apart. If it weren’t for judicial consequences and innate self-preservation, the world would have imploded a long time ago.

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passion.

James 4: 1-2 (ESV)

In his letters to the twelve tribes, James clearly explained the fundamental reason for our turmoil. We all want something we just can’t have. A child demands a cookie, businesses pursue unbridled success, and countries seek to conquer. Everyone has something they want but are unable to obtain. Consequently we shun, fight, bicker, kill, and go to war for that one unattainable possession. As Christians we make earnest requests of God for what we believe is needed. However, we often ask with wrong motives, seeking to please our sinful nature in some fashion. The same nature that covets and demands power and praise will stop at nothing to get what it wants all be it noble or profane. Most of us have figured out how to get what we want without resorting to murder or theft. Our goals might be fulfilled through higher education, career motivated employment, strategic investing, or good old fashioned hard work, but contentment remains far out of reach. We always need something more for happiness and we will quarrel to the death until we get our way (Proverbs 27:20).  

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

1 Timothy 6:4-8 (ESV)

Some among us regrettably take great delight in the fighting process itself. The overwhelming urge to be “right” at all costs invariably takes over. These individuals relish the opportunity to gain the upper hand in any and every conversation (Proverbs 18:2); to be perceived the smartest in the room. They preoccupy their time considering subjects and controversial opinions to bring up at opportune moments. In addition, they delight in goading others into frustration and even anger to assert their dominance. They are childish. Such hearts constantly search for an enemy—whether real or imagined—because without an antagonist they might have to admit who they really are and grow up in the faith (Matthew 10:36).

This type of behavior becomes even more deadly when scripture and biblical principles are employed with the attempt to bewilder and incite others to irritation. They expound on the word of God not for the purpose of encouraging and instructing fellow believers but instead to assert spiritual dominion over their immediate circle (2 Corinthians 4:2). It’s a perverse way of getting what they want. With such clouded hearts we only have one course of action; gird our minds, refuse to answer according to their folly, and pray for those who make us out to be their enemy (Matthew 5:44, Proverbs 26:4).

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)

Discovering the contentment of Jesus remains one of the greatest secrets of the Christian walk. The divine simplicity of peace that drips from the hands of the Almighty enables His children to rise above the torment of self-satisfaction. All earthly desires melt away as we look to Him who perfects our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We can boast in our weaknesses knowing Christ has become our victor and provides all we need for godliness and healing. In the ever-increasing knowledge of our feebleness we find contentment in the person of Christ. Walking with Jesus, if we’re doing it right, inevitably invites a growing realization of our own weakness. Additionally, as we seek to live His word, we become the recipients of increased insults and slander. The inheritance of all true Christians is a cross of hardship but the crown of persecution compels us to walk ever closer with our Savior. We take comfort in the sweet fellowship granted by fellow travelers, sharpening like iron without hidden motives or agendas (Proverbs 27:17). Each day our Lord provides the grace to relinquish the need to be right, obtain empty success, or chase that elusive thing which misguides our passions. There are no trophies in heaven, only a robe of righteousness which we willingly cast upon the mercy seat of Christ our Lord.