Tactics Against Us

I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 1 Corinthians 3:2-3

In this note from Paul we gain some knowledge of the enemy's tactics in this world. Indeed envy, strife, and divisions are exactly what is planted among us and in the thoughts of the flesh when we do not keep our eyes trained toward the Master.

How easy it is to sit down in a group and pass rumors about another! And men do it too; in this we have no inequality between the sexes. For a brief moment the seduction of sin gives us a feeling of superiority over that other one, that neighbor we have quite failed to love in the moment. From this another may be envious of the rumor victim or look to strive against him based on that evil knowledge he should not have gained from us. Therefore, we shall all withdraw from each other to be alone with the Lord.

Yes, seems like the simple and straightforward solution, and it even obeys our Lord's command to pray in secret with the door shut behind us. Wait, how are we to love our neighbors and one another as the Lord also commanded, and placed top importance on by the way, if we withdraw to a lonely place all the time? And if you have ever spent some serious alone time as I have, you will know by experience that is no cure to those attacks by the enemy which sow envy, division, and strife. Envy and strife will turn to bitterness when the darts of the enemy sink deep down into the flesh and soon hatred - exactly the opposite of what our Lord commanded - will have the victory over us.

There is a time for prayer alone with God; we are never left alone without the presence of our Lord's dear Holy Spirit, and there are times to draw together with the Master to learn His love for all.

May the love of Christ speak volumes to you today!

Bucky