Warning: You Have An Enemy!

Do you ever feel like there is a conspiracy against you? Do you get the idea that someone is out to get you? Well, if you are a Christian business owner or leader out to impact others for eternity, then you are correct. You have an enemy that hates you. He has a target on you, your business, and your family.

Jim Reese – CEO, Atlanta Mission

This is the fifth post in a series of five that describes the advice my brother and I received from business and ministry leader, Jim Reese. Mr. Reese has seen incredible success in the business world over a stellar career with executive positions in companies such as Randstad N.A., Frito-Lay, and HoneyBaked Ham, but he has also significantly impacted people for eternity through his work with Atlanta Mission. He has taken his exceptional business skills and is applying them in Christian ministry.

Reese’s Advice

Below, is the fifth of five main points I gained from our conversation. This advice is directed at anyone trying to buck the norms of this world and integrate their faith into their work. If you are trying to run your business from an eternal perspective, then you need to heed this advice.

[box][typography font=”Cardo” size=”18″ size_format=”px”]Recommendation #5:[/typography]

[typography font=”Cardo” size=”24″ size_format=”px”]Know that the enemy will attack you.[/typography]

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Talk of the Enemy

While some people cringe when you mention the enemy in this context, I am one who takes the Bible to be the truth – whether I can see it or not. The Bible talks about the enemy in a number of places. Here are a few…

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;…” John 10:10

“For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” Ephesians 6:12

“Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Do you take this Scripture seriously?

If you were warned that there was a stalker scheming to do life-threatening harm to your son or daughter, would you act? Would you move to protect them? Or would you just blow it off and assume things will work out?

See, as Mr. Reese mentioned, the enemy will not just come directly after you. He will come after your family. He will come against your employees. He will come against any weak spot you have.

Recognizing Existence of the Enemy

The point of recognizing the existence of the enemy, as well as his intent in destroying you, is to help you in three ways.

1. When you know you are going to come under attack, you will prepare. You will not be surprised by it. Though you certainly cannot completely avoid being attacked, the damage is less destructive when you expect it and are ready for it (1 Peter 5:8).

2. You can take action and equip yourself and your family. You can put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). You can equip your family, educating them about the potential dangers in the process.

3. You can pray. You pray for protection. You can ask others to do the same on your behalf. (Ephesians 6:18)

Invading The Territory Of The Enemy

You may be thinking I am crazy. That is fine. However, if you get serious about using your business for ministry, then you will be going straight into territory that the enemy considers to be his own. You will likely be impacting people and groups that local churches have not seen in years, if ever. This is great work for the kingdom, but do not kid yourself into believing it is without resistance or consequence. The enemy will hate you for it.

Just go back through the Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters to see if I am not telling you the truth. It is Biblical and it is a truth you need to accept.

I am not suggesting you start running around your business spraying devil repellent and screaming “We are under attack!” I am recommending you take appropriate actions through prayer and Scripture memory, to put on the full armor of God. I am advising you to be ready.

Do you know what I am talking about to be true?

What do you do to prepare for and protect against this?

If you are unsure, will you search the Scripture for yourself?