Continuing with some thoughts from Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur. (See my March 31 and April 4 devotion for reference).
The essence of the Christian walk is to live contrary to human nature. (p.249)
Anyone who has tried to live the Christian life knows that not only is this true, but way too familiar. When God says, “Zig” the world says, “Zag.” God says, “Go right” the world says, “Go left.”
That’s how it has always been.
That’s how it is today.
That’s how it will always be.
It would be nice to think that coming to Jesus would end the struggle. But no, if anything it makes it worse.
The apostle Paul wrote about this struggle on more than one occasion, but his most extensive (I think anyway) and most pointed is found in Ephesians 6: 10-20. Everyone knows it to be the teaching of warfare which is not of this world, but also the armor of God every Christ-follower must wear.
Paul David Tripp wrote the following:
Paul is reminding you that at street level, practical, daily Christianity is at war. There really is a moral right and wrong. There really is an enemy. There really is a seductive and deceptive temptation. You really are spiritually vulnerable. (New Morning Mercies- April 6)
Day in and day out our culture is calling our name. Our enemy is putting out the “red carpet” that leads to fame and fortune initially, but in the end leads to death and destruction.
Old man vs new man. Fake vs reality.
“Father, help me to choose Your way and not the world’s. And most definitely not mine. That spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R.”
It is a daily battle, Bill, that’s for sure. May we put on the full armor of Christ!
Blessings!
That it is Martha.
Randall Arthur’s quote, got me. Never in my 40 years of my walk, have I ever heard it put that way. For sure, that is the cost of being a Believer/Follower of Jesus. Thanks, Bill.
I think you would really like the book too Diane. I’m glad you liked the quote.
Welcome back and thanks for sharing! Hope your trip and visits were enjoyable!
The battle for souls will continue on until Jesus returns again. We can choose to engage or we can choose to sit on the sidelines and watch our families, our friends, our community, continue to erode away. Draw your swords, lift your shields, let’s take back what God has already won.
Thanks Ryan and it is always good to get back. As you state, the battle for souls will always continue.
A quote from Tony Evans: A ship belongs in the water, but the water does not belong in the ship. You are to be in the world, but the world should not be in.
Father, help me to step a side and let you be the captain of my ship. Let me see the waves of the world coming but lean on your understanding not mine, to keep the waves from taking me out into the sea of the world and being lost at sea. I cannot face the world on my own merit and win, I need to be under my Father’s command for a victory.
I’ve heard that quote before Gail and never have been able to forget it. I think D.L. Moody used it first.Thanks for bringing it back to my memory. I do pray for your prayers to be mine also.