I think of this often. Some times it is when examining my own actions, thoughts or words. (yes...our thoughts alone can be sinful) And some times it is when I see others in action.
It is a temptation of the flesh for sure to lambaste an "offender" with "truth" or our interpretation of the the truth. It is a temptation of the flesh to run to the rescue and take sides, showing our allegiance to the victim. It is our human nature to want to be right, to want to be on the winning side, to want to show support and show our disapproval of the offenders actions. We want to make sure justice is served. (whatever that looks like in our own mind)
I have to say, this is a battle that most of us face. The more people we know, the more opportunities we will have to battle this one out within ourselves. As the pastor of our church recently said, "It's difficult for us to get 6 people to be in one accord at the dinner table." But do we want to be the one that continues to move forward with the strife and contention adding fuel to the fire or do we want to be the ones that show the Fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (forbearance is a great one...take a look at what it actually means)
The written word of God says in Ephesians 6:12: "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Unfortunately for us, we all allow ourselves to act in a fleshly way that demonstrates a sinful nature from time to time. There is hope however! I trust that the Lord is working in all of His children who seek Him and through that, we will be transformed into the image of Him.
I once heard someone say, "most battles are won in the prayer closet." I like this. This is what makes my heart jump. Our chance to be a prayer warrior, a member of the special forces, some of the elite. Some of the most powerful and effective warriors execute their missions behind the scenes while no one is looking. They don't draw attention to their efforts and BAM!! The battle is won because they fought a battle with knowledge and wisdom. They don't need to be "known" as the winning team...they just know they are part of the winning team.
Our knowledge and wisdom comes from Him, His Word and the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that we all desire to become part of the elite, special forces, that win battle through prayer and not our fleshly desire to prove that we are on the winning team. If you have proclaimed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior...you are already on the winning team!
Lord help us all to live in a way that glorifies Your Name. You are our vindicator, our redeemer, the Savior of the world. You have overcome not just for our sins, but the sins of all of Your children!
In Love-Staci
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