OUR REACTION TO THE STRUGGLE

The struggle of which we speak is a reality, not an imagination. Therefore, it requires a decision on your part, as well as personal and determined involvement. Briefly stated, you are to subdue the evil and nourish and sustain the good. Your faculties can be drawn upward or downward, to heaven or to earth. You are the custodian of your thoughts, your soul, your affection, and your desires. They do not naturally turn Godward, and can be adversely effected. Although in Christ, an undisciplined soul can dwell upon unholy thoughts, even developing a preference for the fading fancies of the world. To do so, however, is to forfeit life and be "cast away" (Luke 9:25).

We are to "cleave to the good" and "abhor the evil" (Rom. 12:9). Both are present with us, and both must be appropriately confronted. We are to "desire the sincere milk of the Word," while "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts" (1 Pet. 2:2; Tit. 2:12). Like out Lord. we are to fervently "love righteousness" and zealously "hate iniquity" (Heb. 1:9).

You have been called to a life that demands growth "in grace" and the crucifixion "of the flesh" (2 Pet. 3:18; Gal. 5:24). "Hold fast" what is "good," and "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess. 5:21).

Ignorement and passivity are never in order in this struggle. They place one in spiritual jeopardy, and ultimately lead to condemnation.

CONCLUSION

The fierceness of the inner struggle is directly proportionate to our perception and acceptance of the "new" order. Drawing "near" to the Lord sensitizes our spirit to both good and evil (Heb. 10:22). Drawing back from Him dulls the soul, causing one to unwittingly digress to "perdition" (Heb. 10:39).

Ignorement of "spiritual things" (1 Cor. 2:13) will diminish the struggle, and thus jeopardize the soul. Further, a reduction in the struggle will cause one to gravitate to the flesh, and consequently to incur Divine displeasure. It is tragic that this is the condition of many professed believers. Their failure to engage in the "good fight of faith" accounts for their general disinterest in spiritual nourishment and fellowship. If this condition is not addressed, there is no hope of them forever being with the Lord. The battle is that serious!