Spotting the enemy

Throughout life, we are often told to watch out for the enemy. Now this phrase comes in many different forms, but the idea remains relatively the same. The person or persons giving this direction while not universally positive do generally seek our interest. So, what about this enemy they warn us about?

While in competition the opposition can be considered the enemy, though this is a very loose use of the term. I expect there are a few rivalries that might fit the bill a little closer. But more accurately speaking an enemy is one who is actively seeking you harm or to cause your downfall. 

Definition of enemy

1: one that is antagonistic to another 

2: something harmful or deadly

3: a: a military adversary

    b: a hostile unit or force

It appears that in most cases the term enemy has simply come to mean someone who is antagonistic, or more cleanly put someone who is against me. Why is it necessary to consider everyone who fails to agree with me an enemy? If I am wrong, should they not oppose what I am doing or saying? Unless I believe I am never wrong.

When did an enemy which used to carry the concept of mortal opposition soften to simply one who fails to side with me? This new use of the term mandates that I am never wrong or never able to admit I am wrong. What a burden. What a weight I must carry if I must always be correct in everything I say and do. I must defend every statement or action because someone choose to correct me or simply noticed that I was not as accurate as I believed.

How many enemies could more accurately be placed in the category of constructive criticism if my skin was not so thin? How much wisdom could I gain if I simply choose to change my perspective on who is actually my enemy? While it is true there are those who are actively seeking your destruction, I honestly believe they are far fewer than we believe or have been told. I don’t know about you, but I am not that special. 

Next time someone claims we are wrong we could evaluate their statement before we choose to position them as simply hostile. They might have a little truth in their words.

Blessings.