2 Peter 3:14-18
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen
There an old adage that goes, an enemy of my enemy is my friend, but a friend of my enemy is my enemy. A logical progression of this thought would suggest, that a friend of my friend is my friend, and enemy of my friend is also my enemy. With that said, I’d like to add an additional layer to this somewhat convoluted narrative by declaring, An Enemy of My Jesus is Truly My Enemy Indeed!
The previous quotes are a depiction of the power of interpersonal relationships. Positive relationships bring people together, while negative relationships destroy. Today let’s focus on strategies that help us stay out of toxic associations. Here’s a wonderful link to over 100 scriptures that warn of toxic associations and unfruitful relationships (https://www.openbible.info/topics/toxic_people). (Let Us Know Your Favorite).
Peter speaks to non Jewish believers in Asia Minor concerning verbal assaults against the Word of God presented by him and other Apostles, including his one time rival Paul. I can only imagine at an earlier time in Peter’s life he would never had imagined himself defending the Gospel among the Gentiles. But God called, commissioned and chose him to be the spokesperson to the very people he once thought we’re not worthy to be part of the Body of Christ. And not only did he preach Christ to the unbelieving nations, he commended and praised the work of Apostle Paul for his outstanding contribution to the faith. Remember Peter and Paul had some serious issues between them. It would have been easy for them to dismiss each other and go their own way. But the assault against the Gospel was too much. Their common enemy brought them together. Look at God!
The crux of Peter’s angst stemmed from the erroneous teaching of some folk that the resurrection was a fable and fictitious tale the he and the other disciples dreamed up to gain followers to Christ. His defense was not only masterful, it was also a pensive and melancholy farewell speech. Peter already knew his life would soon be taken. So he argued why sacrifice my life for the sake of a fake story? Peter was adamant and defiant in his defense of his faith, and those that shared the faith with him.
No matter the previous differences the disciples may have had with each other, one fact is true. Common ideologies will bring good folk together to fight common enemies. You know the old saying, blood is thicker than water, right? As much as couples, family, or friends argue and fight from time to time, I dare any outsider to jump in the middle of their fight. That enemy will find themselves in the battle of their life. Because no matter how hard we fight, an enemy of my friend is now my enemy too. That interloper will find he or she has two enemies now!
The folk in Asia Minor were under spiritual attack. There were unscrupulous teachers trying to turn believers from the faith. Things were getting dangerously toxic. Remember, toxic people do toxic things. They work to discredit and injure others. They create falsehoods and tell toxic lies. And the only absolute remedy to their shenanigans is to embrace the truth with everything you’ve got.
A great sign of toxic vs good behavior is toxic people travel in packs, but the truth can stand alone. Toxicity is always attacking, demeaning, degrading and undignified. Truth is selfless. Truth is peaceful, calm, powerful and loving. But sometimes tough love is necessary. Sometimes truth gotta fight back. Especially when you become an enemy of my Jesus. Now you are my enemy too!!
God Bless
