The "First Blow Against the Enemies Schemes"

2020 has been a crazy year filled with all sorts of twists, turns and “I didn’t see that coming” events. The stressors on people have left many in relationship turmoil. People feel isolated, fractured and confused. Uncertainty abounds. I have watched people avoid interactions with others in stores and community settings. As I talk with people I find them reticent to enter into conversations because of an uncertainty of where the conversation might lead. I have found myself asking the question “Is this conversation going to lead to conflict and disagreement.” If, as Jesus said, “a kingdom divided cannot stand” then one of the tactics of the enemy is to divide and conquer. The enemy hasn’t conquered yet but he’s definitely at work dividing. King Solomon warned his son to guard his heart. Obviously it was a warning to guard against giving in to temptation and corrupting influences. His warning is applicable to relationships, emotional wounds, rejections, and conflict. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Solomon’s first three words “above all else” have always grabbed my attention. Before anything else, the first thing to do, the number one priority is to “guard my heart.” John Eldredge combined Solomon’s words and the Enemy’s tactics when he wrote: “Caring for your heart is the first blow against the Enemy’s schemes.” Forgive, be generous, give the benefit of the doubt. When you take this attitude you send the “first blow against the Enemy’s schemes.” The Apostle Paul wrote, “We are not ignorant of the enemy’s schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11) Don’t give in to the enemy’s scheme of dividing and schisms. Don’t just be on the defense against the enemy. Go on the offense. Guard your heart, forgive, be gracious and generous. Don’t give the enemy a foothold. (Ephesians 4:27)