10 Questions to Ask if the Enemy is Working in Your Life

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers (Eph. 6:12). We know that truth, but we don’t always recognize the subtle attacks of the enemy. Take some time today to ask these questions to determine if/where the enemy is working in your life. Perhaps this list will help you prepare for worship this weekend.

1. Have I been completely truthful in all matters? The enemy is the father of lies (John 8:44). When we don’t speak the truth – even in simple “white lies” – we play his game. When was the last time you lied? 
2. Am I hiding anything? Sometimes the enemy is blatantly obvious, but often he works in the darkness of our lives. If you’re keeping secrets, the enemy’s winning.
3. Do I have any broken relationships? In the Garden of Eden, the serpent’s influence led to Adam’s turning on his wife and blaming her for his wrong. Since that time, the enemy has sought to divide relationships. If you’ve chosen not to seek to repair brokenness, you’ve given the enemy a foothold.
4. Do I have a recurrent sin pattern in my life? All of us sin, but none of us as believers should live in sin. Unbroken sin patterns are evidence of a stronghold.
5. Do I view myself as better than others? Sometimes it’s hard to be honest about this question, since we seldom recognize our own arrogance – but try to be honest. Do you generally see yourself as better than most others? That attitude could reflect the enemy’s influence.
6. Am I faithful in basic spiritual disciplines? I know this question is perhaps too simple for some folks, but doing daily spiritual disciplines is part of wearing the full armor of God. To give little attention to disciplines is to open the door to the enemy.
7. When was the last time I shared the gospel with a non-believer? Satan wants us to avoid telling the good news to anyone who remains in darkness (Col. 1:13). When we don’t evangelize, the enemy’s winning at some level.
8. Am I almost always right? You’ll know the answer to this question if your first response to someone disagreeing with you is to defend your position. Unteachable people hardly threaten the enemy in their arrogance. 
9. Would my family and closest associates say I’m a godly person? The people who see us most often are most in a position to answer this question. If their honest assessment of your walk is that you’re godly only in public, you know the enemy is lurking.
10. Have I made discouragement an idol? This question may surprise you, but it’s meant for those leaders who’ve faced tough situations. It’s the enemy who wants to keep you down, to turn your attention away from the gospel, and to leave you in defeat – not God.

So, is the enemy working in your life?  How might we pray for you?