Enemy Opposition
I have had people not like me because of a position I hold. They may have never met me or even spoken to me, but they just don’t like me. I probably can’t do anything about that. It’s like people saying things about the people running for political office. There are many who have formed an opinion of another based on a position they hold more than who they really are. When I was a student pastor, I had people that didn’t like me because I was a pastor. Now that I’m a REALTOR, there are people who don’t like me because I’m a REALTOR. If they want to form an opinion of me without getting to know me, then I can’t do anything about that. Some of those same people would consider me their enemy.
I work really hard at showing love and respect to others, even if I don’t know them. I will also show respect and honor to people who are way different than I am. I don’t have to go along with their plans and be supportive. I don’t have to be hate-filled in my disagreement. It seems that many people have to make the other person an enemy in order to fuel the disagreement.
The captives who were sent back to Judah to rebuild the temple and the city, had opposition to their project. The enemies acted like friends, but they were in opposition. Check this out….
1The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. 2 So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.”
3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”
4 Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. 5 They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne. (Ezra 4:1-4 NLT)
I need to be discerning when people are trying to tear down what I’m trying to build up. I need to pay close attention to the actions of others and maybe even ask them about their motive. Before I go there, I need to make sure my motives are pure.
I’ve heard an old axiom that says: “keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. I want to be wise and discerning about how to turn enemies into friends – if it’s possible. I do want to be civil to those who are enemies. If there is no dialogue between us, then it will be nearly impossible to ever change our relationship with one another. I have to also be aware that some of my enemies look like my friends. The Lord and I have lots of conversation in situations where I’m trying to figure out the agendas or motives of others. I need His wisdom and His insight. I need His help controlling my thoughts, attitude and words. I’m aware that there may always be enemy opposition, but I don’t have to be an antagonist or a jerk.
Pressing On!
Dwayne