Some things are worth the good fight

There is so much going on in our society right now. There are so many causes, debates, and policies crying for our attention. COVID-19 still demands a response, inner-city violence has skyrocketed, and millions are trying to recover from all the lockdowns. Evangelist Martha Tennison once said, “It’s not what’s happening (but it’s what’s really going on).”

The Bible says, “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.” (1 Timothy 1:18-19, NKJV)   

In these verses, Paul encourages Timothy to fight a beautiful battle. He urges Timothy to remember the prophecies he had received before taking over the leadership of the church in Ephesus. No doubt Ephesus was a tough place to lead a church. The worship of Diana was a big financial enterprise, and the worship of Jesus was considered a direct threat to the Ephesians’ corporate revenues. 

Wow, that sounds like some of the struggles we face now. The Bible says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NKJV) There is nothing wrong with money, wealth, or resources. We are called to steward these assets for the glory of God, but wealth and power can reveal the darker side of our personalities. 

friend, have you ever fought for a just cause? Have you ever been tempted by money, power, or lust? Today, I’d like to challenge you to do two things this week:

1. Pick a just cause and fight for what’s right. Whether you rescue women caught in the sex trade, feed the hungry, coach a soccer team, or share the Good News with a lost soul, fight for something.
2. Fight against temptation. Didn’t Jesus pray, “‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one…’” (Matthew 6:13, NKJV)?  

I’m convinced you can win these beautiful battles because you are a miracle.