ANOTHER VIEW OF THE SITUATION

We are living in two conflicting worlds simultaneously. The "world to come" (Heb. 2:5) is now our abode by faith. This "present evil world" (Gal. 1:4) is our tangible residence while we remain "in the body" * 2 Cor. 5:8). These are not merely two different world. One is destined to destruction (2 Pet. 3:10-12). The other constitutes a "kingdom that cannot be shaken," and will be revealed when the other one is destroyed (Heb. 12:27-28). Until that time, they are irreconcilable. An eternal order cannot be at peace with a temporal one! As a believer in Christ, you have to do with them both, and that is a constant source of inner conflict.

We have also been "espoused" to an absent "Bridegroom" (2 Cor. 11:2). This condition has introduced a conflict of interests. The world solicits us to deny our betrothal and play the harlot with her. No person in Christ is exempt from the struggle. All have received a heavenly mandate to "fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life" (1 Tim. 6:12,19). Take the warfare seriously, and have done with things of no eternal consequence. The time is short, the battle is fierce, and your eternal destiny is at stake.

Inner struggle also ensues because part of us is dying, while the other part is being constantly renewed. Our "outward man" is perishing, but our "inward man is renewed day by day" (2 Cor. 4:16). However, the "perishing" part of us is not reconciled to dying! Further, the "inward man" requires that our "affection" be "set on things above, and not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:1-2). However, this can only be accomplished while subduing the earthly proclivities of the "outward man." Thus, the struggle.