For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.    (Ephesians 6:12)

A good first step in recognizing our enemy is discerning whom our enemy is not. Thankfully Paul tells us up front that our enemy is not people.

Yes, it may look like people are the enemy. After all, aren't the lies and put-downs coming out of their mouths? Aren't their fists delivering blows of hatred? Aren't their faces twisted in contempt? Aren't they corrupting schools, companies, governments?

Yes, but actually they are pawns. Granted, they may be willing pawns. But they are also likely unaware pawns. As are we, all too often—pawns in the hand of forces shoving us around on their diabolical game-board.

(You have to admit that knowing this helps when it comes to loving our enemies and ourselves.)

So if the real enemy is not people, who is it? What is it? Where is it?

Here is where Paul encourages us to acknowledge that there is a lot going on in the realm of the unseen. Nefarious (extremely wicked or villainous) stuff is directed from there toward us.

Whereas we see the results of such stuff played out in this physical world, the remedy for it will not come exclusively from our earthly efforts. Those efforts will be good and necessary, but by themselves they won't address the “hidden hand”--the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.

Therefore, living with eyes—both our physical-eyes and our spiritual-eyes—wide open is something we need to practice.

Our physical eyes need to pay attention to what is going on around us, in the people we engage with, in the culture we're a part of. This sight will provide information that will help us care for ourselves and others.

Good spiritual eye-sight will require time spent in fellowship alone with God, with His followers and with the gospels. By experiencing God's presence and His ways, we will discern the contrast between His good and the enemy's evil. This is necessary because the enemy is a great deceiver who tries to pass off evil as good.

When you are tempted to see a person as your enemy, consider the pawn metaphor.

Be alert to evidence of the enemy's tricks, but as you do, always remember “...the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (I John 4:4).

Ask God what He would have you do with what you discern and anticipate His guidance and enabling.