Temple Thoughts
The Good Fight
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.II Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV
All and time does attest to the truth that the apostle Paul, indeed fought a good fight, he finished the race, and kept the faith. Since he referred to the fight as the good fight, this suggests that it is a fight that every serious follower of Christ has to fight. Our question is, what is the fight all about, and who is the fight with ?
It is a necessary fight, to keep, and live the faith in its pure form, to grow into the full stature of Christ in life and function, such that there will be no shame at His appearing, when we see Him face to face. To attain this ideal, the apostle Paul fought many battles, and we all, may have to do the same.
Battle With The Self
The greatest battle to be fought is with the self, no growing Christian can avoid it. If you win the battle against Mr. Self, all the other battles will be easy. Alas, many never engage the self. It is so easy to run around with logs in our eyes while we criticize the speck in our neighbors.
The apostle Paul said “but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected” ( 1 Cor 9:27 ). This battle with the self is essential, please fight it well and ensure that you win. Then you will be able to fight all the other battles successfully, having put your house in order. I believe that the failures recorded in the conflicts of life are linked to the failure in the battle with the self. Conquer your self and conquer your world.
Fight a good fight.