There are times when friends argue and each person battles with words to defeat the other.  Unfortunately the winner actually won the loss of that friend and the loser won the same.  Another example is that of an employee who does his best on a job and is overlooked because the boss likes another person better.  What did that boss actually win?  The boss loses the respect of a good employee and the employee will usually move on to give his best to a more deserving boss.  These are two examples where the root causes of the battle are pride, envy, favoritism and demanding ways.

Our biggest battles are the ones within.  The constant tugging in our hearts of good against evil is a real thing.  The winner of these spiritual battles is the one to whom we devote our time and energy.  If we focus on temptation we eventually give in to it.  If we immediately fix our focus back on God, He will partner with us and God never loses.

Ephesians 6:13-16

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.