The Strategy of the Enemy

In the first book of The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien tells the tale of a small, diverse group who go on a mission to destroy the power of an evil Dark Lord. The Fellowship of the Ring is a band of two men, a dwarf, an elf, four hobbits and a wizard. Though they represent different races, they are united by their opposition to the Dark Lord.

Yet their unity is tested. In one scene, which didn’t make the movie, an intense conflict breaks out between the members. Harsh words fly. Axes are raised. Bows are bent. The mission is almost lost just as it is starting. When peace is restored, one member of the party says, in essence, ‘The Dark Lord shows his greatest power when he can divide those who oppose him.’ Satan is most effective if he can get us to waste our energy fighting each other instead of him.