“Let God arise let His enemies be scattered.” So says Psalms 68:1. I’m sure this inspires us to know that God promises to arise and scatter His enemies. It’s a good prayer especially when we feel the pinch in leadership when people may oppose us.

But God says … “Make sure your enemies are My enemies!”

Matthew 5:44-45 demonstrates another side, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” The main point is of course our responses to our enemies; love and prayer for them.

But these words of Jesus also make it clear we will have enemies. Jesus had those who conspired against Him; He wasn’t paranoid either; there were real people who wanted Him silenced. There were real people who were trying to kill Him and neutralise His influence.

The truth of the matter is, if we are seeking to fulfil God’s plan and purpose in the earth, we will face opposition. We will come against people who will resist us and many will be unconvinced.  How we respond will frame us as leaders. How we respond to our detractors will define us and determine the level of our leadership.

Jesus said to love and pray for them. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 says we “[The servants of the Lord] must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct.”

The spiritual dimension: Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” There is a very real Devil out there who hates you.

The earthly dimension; 2 Timothy 4:14-15, “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.”

Love and pray for people and remember that God will arise and scatter His enemies; rest in the understanding that nothing can really thwart the plans of the Almighty. Don’t come down to the level of the earthly fray but stay close to Jesus in “heavenly places.”

Isaiah 14:27, “For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”

We are spiritual leaders. At the end of the day structures, systems and practicalities, vital as they are, pale into insignificance compared to our role as spiritual leaders.