Jacqueline’s eyes flash fury and fire. She’s the embodiment of the hot-tempered, angry, fight starter described in Proverbs 15:18, 29:22. It’s not surprising then that rather than pleading with her landlord for more time to pay her delinquent rent, she beat him up and gave him two broken ribs.
The landlord was not the first person to suffer Jacqueline’s wrath. She has slugged both strangers and neighbors alike, and two years ago she hit her husband so hard he ran off—never to return.
A while back, however, despite her behavior, Jacqueline was the direct beneficiary of two of my friends’ generosity. She was so touched by their kindness—something she hasn’t extended or received much of in her lifetime—that she decided to give up physical combat. Jacqueline has now gone 5 months without throwing a punch.
While “right hooks” aren’t highly regarded in Scripture, we’re nonetheless called to engage in a lifetime of tenacious fighting against opposition and temptation that aims to hinder our walk with Christ.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul explained that we must “fight the good fight” as we remain true to the faith (1 Timothy 6:12). In another letter, the apostle says we’re to approach spiritual warfare as an athlete would approach a competition, with discipline and with the goal of obtaining an “eternal prize” (1 Corinthians 9:25).
Finally, Paul wrote, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world” (Ephesians 6:10-12).
Unlike Jacqueline, we realize that the ultimate enemies we face are not human. Let’s choose today to prayerfully, carefully battle against our unseen enemies as we lift up the truths of Jesus.
More:
• John 15:18-19
• 1 Timothy 1:18
• 2 Timothy 2:3-4
Next:
What attacks from your unseen enemies have you been experiencing? What do you need to do to be better prepared for spiritual warfare?
stupart on May 28, 2010 at 4:38 am
A timely message for me. Thank you. This has given me the help I so much need at this moment in dealing with a matter in which I truly must put on the wholw armor of God and “fight the good fight”.
Ateli on May 28, 2010 at 6:22 am
thanks so much for this word of faith, for the battle is not ours but of the lord in the sense that our victory can only be won through God’s word which is God himself.therefore our fight of faith should base on the word.
tce inc. on May 28, 2010 at 7:44 am
Hey jRoxanne; Great information. I can relate to yur friends temperment. I struggled for yrs. with that as a result of my childhood upbringing. Thankjs to the Lord for saving me first and then surrounding me with the right people to make a significant change in my character and be a better example for Christ. Thanks agin for your encouragement today.
Reggie
lyndygayle on May 28, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Wow! Sharing love (undeserved) was the only way for Jesus to change us and the only way for us to change others. I pray that we as a body and me specifically remember and practice that kind of love.
compassion1 on May 28, 2010 at 7:43 pm
This reminded me of a time in my life when I had anger, resentment, and bitterness deeply rooted in my heart. I did not bother anyone but my guard was always up. I was a walking time bomb ready to go off. Many things had transpired in my life and than that drastic time came but I knew the hand of satan was at work and my heavenly Father was not letting me go out like that, you see HE had a plan for my life. I had purpose and a destiny and the enemy wanted to abort what GOD has for me. Well I knew that I needed a deliverance, I was oppressed but JESUS set me free. It was HIS will that I surrendered my all to HIM. When I surrendered my life was filled with HIS JOY, PEACE, BLESSINGS, and Favor. When I ran to HIM HE was right there with opened arms. All we have to do is be obedient to HIS WORD and let HIM lead and guide us. HE equips us with what we need to make it day by day. HE is our Shepherd. Everything that we, HIS children need, GOD’s got it!
HE is our Creator and Sustainer and HE LOVES US, HIS Creation!
jstith on May 28, 2010 at 10:41 pm
First let me start by saying Jesus Christ is my lord and Saviour. We all need to put on the full armor of GOD because if you think you can fight Temptation and your flesh alone. You will not win Ted that song was in my head today thanks. GOD bless you all.