“…fight the good fight, holding on the faith and a good conscience.”
We have an enemy. We must be prepared to fight and do battle against him. Christianity is not for softies. Wimps need not apply. We are commanded to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6.11) and... GET READY TO RUMBLE! Our battle is not “against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6.12). The best way to keep a “good conscience” is to remember people aren’t the enemy. “The spiritual forces of evil” are our ultimate enemy.
When we “promote controversies rather than God’s work,” we lose sight of the goal which, of course, is love (1st Timothy 1.4-5). Jesus said, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5.44). Paul, quoting Solomon, said, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink” (Romans 12.20; Proverbs 25.21-22). This response takes the focus of the attack (and counter-attack) off people engaged in conflict and places it on the devil, where it belongs.
We have an enemy, but we can’t see him. He remains largely invisible and influences God’s children to squabble with each other. That’s a waste of time. We must take (our rightful) spiritual authority over the source of the conflict and simply love those who act out the devil’s aggression. In so doing, we both engage in the “good fight” (as we must) and maintain a “good conscience” (as we should).
A fight with another human being is usually a ‘bad fight.’ “Fight the good fight” against the demonic realm of darkness and “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16.20).
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but... against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of
evil in heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6.12
__________________ "Let's get ready to rumble!" is a trademarked catchphrase notably used by Michael Buffer, American Boxing and Professional Wrestling announcer.
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