When I was in high school, up until the time I was married, I kept a journal for my husband. Sometimes, I like to go back and re-read some of the things I wrote. As I read them, I remember the exact emotion I felt as I wrote each entry. Basically, they include honest thoughts, God inspired epiphanies, and deep wonderings about who my forever love would be; and the things that I most wanted him to know about me at that particular time. I have entries and poetry about the longing I had for the other half I knew God created for me. But then, there is something deeper. There are some entries I re-read that ignite the same Holy passion inside of me as when I first wrote them. These are the accounts I poured over on those nights I couldn’t sleep because the Holy Spirit had awoken me to pray. These were not just your standard prayers that caused me to casually drift back to sleep. These were the nights I was up praying and rebuking. These were the nights when I felt as if I were in the midst of a battle. When I had those nights that left me so desperate for sleep but so full of adrenaline from praying and rebuking and quoting scripture, I felt like I had really made a difference in my future.
When Jer and I finally did start courting, I was careful about the things I would reveal to him. Long ago, a dear friend warned me about the importance of prudence. But when I did slowly begin to reveal some of the things I prayed about on those prayer-filled nights, they very often correlated with a relevant issue going on 500 miles away in Alabama
There is a battle, like it or not; and in a battle, you have to pick a side. There is no middle ground. This fact really stirred in my spirit yesterday when I read something one of my friends had written. It was eloquent and beautiful prose. It didn’t offend anyone. It sounded beautiful and full of love. But it was middle ground. As I wrote in my last blog, I firmly believe that we are called to love everyone- despite race, creed, sexual orientation, religious beliefs (or lack there of), or gender. We are called to love. But something unexplainable deteriorates our religion when we feel unjustified to our opinion. On an completely unrelated site, I read a comment from a woman who considered herself a Christian that actually stated she hate it when Christians try to use the Bible to pull off their biased point. If you’re a Christian, all of your “biased points” should come directly from the Word of God. We are not only in a battle over our convictions from unbelievers, our own brothers and sisters are making those who strive to live life according to scripture look foolish.
Once again, I am all about loving our neighbor, especially if they don’t love us, in order to point the way to Christ. Christ is about love and acceptance. But He does NOT tolerate sin. We are called as children of God to point our brothers and sisters in the right direction. True- God is the ultimate judge. But, He puts people- friends, neighbors, fellow church goers- in our path to help us along. Iron sharpens iron. Every person Jesus encountered that He showed compassion to He told to go and sin no more. I’ve even heard the comment: I am not Jesus, I am not perfect, therefore I should not judge. I’m not judging anyone for anything. I have made mistakes in my past. I know better than anyone on earth that I am not perfect. But, to me, not being that accountably for your friends is like allowing them to pull a boiling pot of water on them because you were afraid of saying something might offend them. Personally, I need accountability. I need people in my life to tell me when I am getting off track. I need them to talk to me; I need them to grab a corner of my rug and drag me to Jesus sometimes. (Luke 5:17-32) And I think I would be a horrible person for not holding my friends accountable for their actions, especially my fellow Christians.
There is forgiveness in the Father. I am grateful because I need it every day. I don’t know a single human being on this earth that was ever perfect, except Christ Himself. But we all are called to be in one mind and one accord. That means there are basic principles of scripture that we are all called to agree on. Jesus got angry and rebuked the people in the temple for cheating the townspeople that had come to sacrifice to the Lord. Do you think He was more concerned about hurting their feelings than making it known that they were doing things that displeased the Lord? No. He was simply letting them know, “Hey, what you’re doing is not cool.” (my interpretation) The mistake we have fallen into is not seeing accountability as wise counsel. If someone says something to you about what you’re doing and you don’t like it, we call it being judgmental. But part of loving people is gently correcting them. Hating people and calling them ugly names and shouting all kinds of horrible things at them is NOT Christ-like, and people who do that should be reprimanded as well. But, when we already have so much stacked against us, the last thing we need to do is tear apart our fellow believes. These are the people who fight the battle with you. These are the family that offer refreshment when you’re tired of running the race. And these people are called to gently nudge you back on track when you start running off road. The battle is raging, and we need each other now more than ever.
Our battle is not against people. Our battle is against the schemes of the devil; the evil influences that are slowly numbing our culture to vague tolerance. Our enemy is not the people that disagree with us; it is the infiltration of selfishness. The Word is clear that our battle is not against flesh and blood- it’s against the unseen wicked powers that try to make us war with our brothers and sister. In order to win this battle, we need a united front. And not just in America
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to be a good influence on people. When I am around them, help them to be better when they leave me because I have oozed Your love and mercy on them. God, I know we are in a spiritual battle. Lord, help us not to fight one another, but to fight together for people for Your kingdom and glory. I know Lord that I am not perfect. Help me to walk in Your excellence every day, and help me Lord to point the way to You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Scripture References:
Psalm 55:18 (NKJV)
He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.
And when Judah
And he shall say to them, Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them;
For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?
Order the buckler and shield, And draw near to battle!
For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose against me.
The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up.
A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.
Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.
Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
Love LIFE (LoveIsForEver):
Remember that your spouse is your closest battle buddy. Make sure they know they can always come to you for warring prayer. Make it a habit to pray together and build a strong fortress for one another. The enemy is tricky and tries to sneak his way into our marriages in ways we can not see. Be on guard, pray daily for wisdom, and set clear boundaries in your marriage. I know a wonderful couple that agrees not to have opposite sex friends on a social networking site. It may sound extreme, but they are taking precautions to affair proof their marriage. Remember, marriage is a picture of the love Christ has for His bride, the church. Take extra care to guard your heart and mind with this most precious gift.
Song Reference:
Two songs, Jimmy Needham- Fence Riders and
Chris August- Battle.... Great songs with great lyrics!!
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