I have been enjoying reading a book entitled 30 Key Moments in the History of Christianity by Mark W. Graham. Last night as I was putting the finishing touches on a chapter titled “Persecution, Schism, and a Doctrine of the Church,” he quoted an early church leader named Cyprian. As Rome harassed early followers of Jesus, Cyprian said,

“For it is not persecution alone that is to be feared…Caution is more easy where danger is manifest, and the mind is prepared beforehand for the contest when the enemy exerts himself. The enemy is more to be feared and to be guarded against, when he creeps on us secretly…deceiving by the appearance of peace.” (p.59)

As I read that my mind went in another direction. Not so much the persecution angle, but how it applies to our daily lives as believers. I thought about the Scripture in I Peter 5:8-“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” Or Eph. 4:26-27 where Paul writes, “And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” 

Just as Cyprian was concerned about the enemy creeping in and destroying the unity of the church, we should be concerned about the enemy creeping up and in to hurt or destroy our testimony, our peace, joy, and love for God and each other. 

So like all good soldiers, know your enemy. Expect not just frontal attacks, but also blind-sided ones. The enemy is good at that. Be alert! Be on guard! 

{Notes: 1) All Scripture is from the New Living Translation. 2) Graham’s book is an excellent one to read!}