The Invisible Enemy

Posted 2020.

As the Coronavirus lingers and the weather gets warmer, people are, understandably, getting increasingly restless. My heart goes out to people at every level: families in small apartments or with young children, all those serving on the front lines, those who can’t visit their loved ones in the hospital, the unemployed, and our government leaders as they wrestle with trying to protect lives without killing the economy or facing a revolt.

I was thinking, today, that it’s especially difficult fighting an invisible enemy. If people were being bombed, as in World War II, I don’t think many would protest orders to stay inside and even keep the lights off. The enemy would be very visible.

This reminded me of another invisible battle that is easy to overlook. The Bible, speaking of the devil and his demons, reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

To fight such a battle, we need Godly wisdom. James 3:17-18 says that “wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

I confess that, without God’s help, I’m selfish. I just want my problems (and troublemakers) to go away and leave me alone. But God wants us to lay aside our selfish desires and work at getting along with others.

This pandemic is getting on everyone’s nerves. But we can ease the tension if we’ll do our best to extend grace to others, even when we don’t agree with them. Instead of being critical, let’s strive to be encouraging, cooperative, and helpful. I have been seeing many wonderful acts of kindness and positive attitude changes in the midst of this crisis. That is good. Let’s keep in mind that the real enemy is invisible and not let our guard down. May we continually strive for harmony and peace.

Blessed are the peacemakers. (Matthew 5:9)

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