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Writings of David Chadwell “But I say, walk by the
Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets
its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are
in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you
please.” (Galatians 5:16, 17)
The struggle between the spiritual and the physical over control of our lives is
real and difficult. In a society “hooked” on “quick fixes,” we discover there is
no “quick fix” in this struggle. There is no pill to swallow, no immediate
service to demand, or no “I will report you to your boss” threats. In fact,
spiritual maturity intensifies the struggle. Spiritual maturity increases the
struggle because it brings awareness and growth. It increases Satan’s problems.
Thus, spiritual maturity focuses Satan’s opposition.
Some things cause Satan minimal problems. Words and the life of the human
speaker are inconsistent. Judging is inconsistent. (We condemn and excuse for
the same offense.) Rejection is inconsistent. (Some receive hate, and some
compassion.) Satan easily points out the inconsistencies.
Words, judging, and rejection are of minimal threat to Satan. Even the immature
can use words, judgments, and rejection. All three are real “turn-offs” to most
people. All three make many Christians feel good about themselves [“I did my
duty!”], but all three rarely touch the lives of people not in Christ.
However, godly examples cause Satan major problems. Consider the man or woman in
Christ (1) who dares know his or her sinful weaknesses, (2) who acknowledges
weaknesses, but (3) who is a constant example of grateful service to the God Who
saves. How does Satan discredit him or her? The influence of a Christian who
forgives personal offenders, who loves the unlovable, and who is gracious to the
undeserving is an enormous threat to Satan!
Consequently, the more Christ-like we become, the greater threat we are to evil.
As we grow in Christ, we allow “God in us” to appeal to Satan’s subjects. The
result: we increasingly attract Satan’s attention. God’s influence in human life
has enormous appeal to those trapped by evil. Peace in Christ and hope through
God are powerful forces!
Do not deceive yourself! You never escape [on earth] the struggle between
physical desires that oppose God and spiritual desires to be like Christ! Satan
is shrewd and vicious! However, never forget God is more than his equal! Good
triumphs through God’s acts! Satan killed Jesus, but God triumphed!
As Paul said to the Galatian Christians, “Let us not lose heart in doing good,
for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).
Never tire of doing good! Travel to a place where we “fit” (Hebrews 11:14-16).
Let’s encourage each other to be real and to walk together!
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