The War Within

For God is working in you, giving you the desire
and the power to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

Series: Games People Play

The last day of summer camp arrived. Teams were assigned cabin by cabin, and the contests began. Every person was crucial to the success of the events for the day. Some would canoe, others swam, some ran the relay, but the bravest and strongest of the bunch would be in the ultimate challenge—Tug of War! Being shorter in stature saved me from being on the front lines of that battle. I took my place on the sideline with the others, cheering loudly for our team.

Watching my friends pulling the rope with all their might, sweat dripping from their faces, legs filthy from being dragged across the dirt and grass, stirred up conflicting feelings. Part of me was pretty happy I was on the sideline while the other part wanted to jump in that line and PULL! How about you? Would you rather be on the sideline or down in the action? If you are like me, it may be a little of both, depending on the importance of the task at hand.

Our faith life can feel just like a game of Tug of War. It is a perfect example of the struggle we fight every day as Christians. It is a constant reminder of our own personal battle with what our bodies or minds want and what we know God would want. In the Bible, this struggle is referred to as Flesh vs Spirit. Paul describes this to us in Galatians 5:17 (ESV)

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Paul also tells us in Romans 8:8 that if we are in the flesh, we cannot please God. Our flesh pulls the rope toward things that bring instant gratification, happiness, or a sense of euphoria, regardless of the repercussions. Your flesh wants what it wants, when it wants it. Temptation to fall into destructive habits, wrong thinking, impulsive decision making, all come from a place of superficial desires. In the moment, these longings appear harmless, but the cost can be so high. Many of us will sacrifice a little peace for this immediate enjoyment. Scripture tells us how difficult it is to defeat the flesh in our own strength:

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 ESV)

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:18 ESV)

But we have hope because of Christ Jesus. Because of His finished work on the cross, there are two sides in this war. Our flesh may pull from one side of the rope but on the other side of the rope is the Holy Spirit. He pulls us toward things that are lovely, holy, honorable, kind, and of good purpose—God’s perfect plan for us. When we choose to listen, follow, and heed the voice of the Spirit, our lives look more like Jesus. We bear the fruit of the Spirit and can fight off the flesh, as described in Galatians 5:22-24 (ESV):

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

As difficult as this conflict is, we find many scriptures of encouragement to cling to as we lean on His Spirit:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 ESV)

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 6:63 ESV)

By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. (1 John 4:13 ESV)

Unlike the game of Tug of War, we can’t sit on the sideline of our life. We must be active participants. It will be hard. We will be sweaty, dusty, and grass-stained—but we shall be victorious! Lift each day to the Lord, allowing Him to lead your words, actions, and thoughts so that they may please and glorify Him.

In Christ, there is no condemnation. May you live each day in His strength, His power, and His will. Now PULL!

Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen

Scripture References: Philippians 2:13; Galatians 5:17, 22-24; Matthew 26:41; Romans 7:18, 8:1,8; 1 Corinthians 10:1; John 6:63; 1 John 4:13