In fact, there are 569 references to enemies in the scriptures.
"I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."(1 Nephi 19:23)
I have wondered how I could apply the conquering of enemies to my own life. I don't think I have any enemies. (I suppose there are people who find me silly and annoying, but they don't count as enemies.)
But when I looked up the word 'enemy' in a dictionary I found this:
One definition of enemy is a thing that harms or weakens something else.
As I considered this, it occurred to me that I do indeed have enemies. Quite a few of them, actually. They are my bad habits and my weaknesses.
From James E. Faust:
"Even before the world began, a great war in heaven commenced between the forces of good and evil. That war rages today ever more fiercely. Satan is still the captain of the hosts of evil . . . In simple terms, this means that we need to strengthen the good within us and to overcome the temptations of Satan. The direction finder is sure. Alma tells us, “Whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.”
“Our first enemy we will find within ourselves. It is a good thing to overcome that enemy first and bring ourselves into subjection to the will of the Father, and into strict obedience to the principles of life and salvation which he has given to the world for the salvation of men.”
As I have considered this matter, and read scriptures about it, I have come up with four points that I think will help me overcome my weak spots. Maybe they will help you, too.
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1. Identify Your Enemies
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me . . . I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. (Psalms 139:22 – 24)
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I thought I knew my shortcomings, and I felt that I could work on them. But I have found, very recently, that if you reach out to God in prayer, with humility, an open heart, and a true desire to know your weaknesses, He is very willing to respond with an answer.
And this what I learned: I often interrupt people while they are talking to me, and then I jump to conclusions and make judgments without really knowing the facts.
Can I lose this bad habit?
But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong . . . (Psalms 38:19)
2. Acquire Weapons and Shields
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
We get some pretty strong suggestions in these scriptures about how to put on the armor of God – faith, truth, righteousness, spiritual preparedness, and the scriptures.
Obviously, this is not a complete list. Attending our church meetings and going to the temple are ways to renew and strengthen the covenants.
“I believe that ordinances and covenants of the gospel are gifts from our loving Father; I believe they are weapons against Satan and that they bring spiritual power. Covenants can make an enormous difference in ourlives.”(Sister Michelle D. Craig, Young Women General Presidency)
3. Ask for God's Help in the Fight
"Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face."
"Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly."
"Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies."
"I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."
"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."
4. Make Them Strengths
During the US Civil War, hatred became entrenched between the North and South. In one instance, President Abraham Lincoln was criticized for speaking of benevolent treatment for the Southern rebels. The critic reminded Lincoln that there was a war going on, the Confederates were the enemy, and they should be destroyed. But Lincoln wisely responded, “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
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Can I turn my interrupting into listening with compassion?
Can I turn my judgmentalness into empathy and love?
Doing these things would make me a better friend, a better spouse, and a better parent. It would make me a better minister – not only by assignment but through following the Spirit.
As the New Year begins, many of us make resolutions to change and be better. Whatever our goals are, I believe we'll be more successful when we include the Lord in our crusade.
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"I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously . . ."
"The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God,"
"Be diligent in keeping all my commandments, lest . . . your faith fail you, and your enemies triumph over you."
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad."
I'm wishing you a wonderful year, full of happiness and triumph!
