Beware of Flattery from your Enemies

If a person demonstrates that he or she is your enemy, treat them accordingly. Don’t play with your enemies and don’t believe the situation between you has changed without some form of conflict resolution.

Your enemy is never your friend. When your enemy becomes your biggest cheerleader beware. I’m reminded of what the snake said to Bre Rabbit after Bre Rabbit carried him in his coat pocket until his health returned. The snake bit Bre Rabbit and when Bre Rabbit protested, the snake said, “Bre Rabbit you knowed I was a snake when you see’d me.” Your enemy is never your friend without some concrete form of conflict resolution.

Jesus dealt with His enemies as enemies. Jesus knew their flattery would always precede a trap being sprung. Here is a case in point:

“Then the Pharisees went away and planned to trap Jesus into saying the wrong thing. They sent their disciples to him along with Herod’s followers. They said to him, “Teacher, we know that you tell the truth and that you teach the truth about the way of God. You don’t favor individuals because of who they are. So tell us what you think. Is it right to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” Jesus recognized their evil plan, so he asked, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? Show me a coin used to pay taxes.”They brought him a coin. He said to them, “Whose face and name is this?” They replied, “The emperor’s.”Then he said to them, “Very well, give the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and give God what belongs to God.” They were surprised to hear this. Then they left him alone and went away (Matthew 22:15-22).”

Beware of flattery from your enemies. Pray for them but don’t be misled by them. Ask yourself, “Have we resolved our issues?” If not, protect your destiny and keep it moving.