There's a battle raging right now. People are being hurt and lives destroyed. There's anger, bitterness, pain and suffering, condemnation, and lives being lost. It's not the battle between liberals and conservatives that I'm concerned with. It's not the one between people of color and those of light skin. It's not the one between the homeless - those doing without and those holding corporate power. It's not even all of the battle and confusion of an epidemic. It's much bigger than all of those put together. Let me ask a question and for your pardon for the asking at the same time. Please indulge me for a moment and think...
... What's on your mind?
The Apostle Paul:
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT)
Paul understood that the real battle we're facing isn't the ones that might arise to rage between us as human beings, but the origin of all of those - The one that stirs and fans those others wherever opportunity presents a potential spark...
"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:10-13 (NLT)
... and if we lose sight of that, then we allow ourselves to be rendered powerless against the real enemy and devour each other to the enemy's great pleasure and gain. So once again, the Lord's wisdom and direction spoken through the Apostle Paul:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9 (NLT)
So,... begging your pardon once more, I'll ask...
... What's on your mind?
The enemy wants to control it - that's his goal.
Will you let him?
"No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 (NLT)
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