Joshua 1:9 ESV “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do”
As Christians, we are not fighting against people or a great human war, but we are fighting and withstanding as children of the light to resist and defy the darkness of this age. Our call is to be strong and courageous in the ways and laws of God while being surrounded by a generation going in the opposite direction. We are to stand for holiness when that which is holy is profaned and disregarded.
The world says to fight and get revenge; the laws and the ways of God require us to suffer long and continue to be kind. The world promotes fornication, adultery and things unnatural to one in pursuit of holiness, yet God calls us not even to use our imagination to lust over the opposite sex. God’s standard still remains as the sovereign mandate for all believers, yet this is simply impossible in our own strength as our carnal nature has a leaning towards sin and things pertaining to this world. Not only is society rebellious to the ways of God, we are also embodied within this battle, the clash of two different kingdoms seeking dominion in the life of the believer. Without being watchful and being on guard, guarding our hearts and lives, we end up following and responding to circumstances in our natural old man, in the pattern of this world. The old man that we have been asked to mortify Colossians 3:5 “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, the which is idolatry;” the old man we have been asked to take off Ephesians 4:22-24 “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” has no inclination towards the things of God. This is the unseen warfare of those who embrace the cross and the life it beckons one to follow.
Dear Heavenly father we thank you in advance that you have made a way of escape as we encounter various trials and temptations to take us off the path that leads to life. Lord we pray for the grace not to lose heart and surrender to the dictates of the flesh and the world. Teach us how to deny ourselves and how to take off the old man and all his passions. Lord we pray that you will release a greater measure of who you are in us. Lord overcome every enemy of our souls in Jesus name.
Much Love in Christ,
Your Sister,
Ruth
Pursuing Holiness
Biblical Counsellor | Spiritual Director | Leadership Coach