Tuesday, June 14, 2016

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 in-home small group.
 

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