Sunday August 16, 2020
The Hittites, the Uptights, and the Termites
Unfortunately, most of us have acquired an enemy or two, (or many) in our lives. It’s really not hard to do especially in this day and age where being offended has become almost ridiculous. While it is our sinful human nature to find fault and offense in others, and them in us, sometimes it has very little to do with us and not within our control. We can’t make everyone like us or even make them happy.
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Rom.12:18)
Now ultimately there is only one enemy…Satan. But he works through others who then become his enemy forces. In my life, I call them the Hittites – outright enemies who have rejected God. Then there are the Uptights – the ones who are so uptight about tradition, religion, and money that they seek to quench any new move of the Spirit. And finally, there are the Termites – these are the ones who constantly gnaw and nitpick at those who are zealous for the Lord and His work. We are definitely in a battle.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph.6:10-13)
In any battle, it is important to identify your enemy. To know your enemy gives us insight into the mode of operation, their battle plans, and their weapons. People like Peter, Paul, and Jesus had many different enemies. But they had one thing in common: they never lost sight of the real enemy…Satan.
Take Paul for example. Some resented him, others hated him, and still others wanted to kill him. But in spite of the fierceness of the persecution he faced, he kept his eyes solely and squarely upon the Lord. You see, Paul was keenly aware of Satan. When people attacked him, he realized they were merely unwitting pawns in Satan’s plan of destruction.
We too, have enemies all around us. Some are even close to us…closer than we may want to believe. They are waiting…watching…and strategizing. So how do we deal with this enemy and his unwitting vessels? We don’t! Listen to God’s heart spoken through the psalmist:
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Pro.16:7)
Did you catch that?! “He” that is, the Lord, makes even our enemies be at peace with us. Our only responsibility is making sure our ways are pleasing to the Lord and He will accomplish the rest! Praise God! When our ways are pleasing to Him and He is the focus of our journey, His promise is sure and unchanging.
Chances are, you are in a battle this very moment…a death, Covid, financial crisis, or fear.
Perhaps people are falsely accusing you or mocking you for your faith. You may be feeling some heat for taking a strong biblical stance against sin. Some may just simply despise you because you belong to Jesus. Well, you are in great company! And you have an exceedingly great promise from the Lord! (See WORD WISDOM for a deeper study of despise)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt.10-12)
So whether you face a Hittite, an Uptight, or a Termite, remind yourself of the greater “ite’s”…His fight, His Light, and His might! Amen, and amen!
