Paul says, “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)

If the battle is not against human beings, why is there so much conflict between us? Why is it so difficult to connect – especially here in Denver?

We have an enemy who dwells in between.

From the beginning, the enemy has caused enmity between God’s beautiful creations (Genesis 4). His questions prompted suspicion. His lies provoked fear. His accusations produced shame. Peter warns faith communities,

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

We have the same enemy in Littleton today.

Specifically in the Denver Metro area, the enemy maximizes on the independent pioneering spirit of the air. We live in the Wild West and just like those pioneers sought after personal riches through challenging adventure and thrill of the unknown, so many flock to this city to independently find their best life now.

This causes major divisions between people. Subconsciously, we constantly evaluate and feel evaluated based on whether others are going to help us on this journey or if they’ll just weigh us down.

The enemy has put so much fear between us that overcoming the battle between us and flourishing community requires dying to pieces of ourselves we 100% believe are helpful and protective.

If we want to join together to overcome the enemy between us, we must kill every voice within that says:

  • “I am my own and responsible to no one”
  • “I got this. I don’t need people”
  • “Everything in my life depends on me, but I don’t have what it takes to do it all”

Friends, these are lies from the pit of hell. If you’re living as if this is true, you are siding with your enemy. Take a few minutes now to get honest about what you’re truly believing about your independence.

If we want to join together to overcome the enemy between us, we must fuel the voice of truth:

  • “I am responsible for the common good of all those around me”
  • “ I need people who are different from me to make me a better human”
  • “Others love me and want the best for my life so I don’t have to do it on my own”

Take a few minutes to imagine your life depending on a beautiful array of friends for community, support, and joy for living.