Choose Your Battles Wisely?
By Susan Klein
“Do not conform any longer to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - - His good, pleasing,
and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Beloved, we are at
war. There are seen and unseen battles raging all around us. There are
political battles, moral battles, spiritual battles, ethical battles, gender
battles and battles over “rights.” Wherever two or more forces are at odds, there
is a battle. And yet, the “issues at hand” are not the real battle. The real
battle is between the same two opposing forces that have existed since well before
our time.
Scripture tells us
that our struggle is not against flesh
and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers
of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms. [1] The two opposing forces are that of God and that of Satan. One
could argue that most battles stem from these two forces.
For example, the
issue of “legalizing same-sex marriage” is a moral issue. But it is an issue
polarized by two perspectives: God’s Word and Satan’s deception. It’s not
really about one person’s opinion vs. another’s, nor is it about the issue
itself. It is about the Deceiver who has craftily chosen to battle against
Truth.
Scripture also
states that our enemy the devil prowls
around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [2] Make no mistake - - he isn’t choosy. He will attempt to devour
good and bad alike. God has allowed Satan to have power in this world - - but
only for a time. His fate has already been determined. But while he reigns on
this mortal earth, he will seek to wage war against those who follow the One he
opposes.
So how do we, as
they say, “choose our battles wisely”?
I’d venture to
assert that we don’t focus so much on the “issues.” But rather, let us recognize the true enemy
who is behind them. We can choose to battle this enemy with the truth of God’s
Word [3], with steadfast faith, and with continual prayer. Is this
risky? You bet! Two famous brothers risked a lucrative television career
because they chose to stand on the side of Truth, rather than the side of the
enemy. [4] They didn’t battle with people; they stood firm in their
faith.
Yes, we all have to
choose… but not sides of an issue.
Instead, let us ask ourselves, “With Whom will I stand?”
GOING
DEEPER:
1. Are you standing firm in your
faith?
2. Are you
willing to take risks?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan
is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible
studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of
the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads an on-site small group.
