Tug-of-War

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15a).

Most Christians are in a tug of war, even if they don't realize it. The world is on one side, and faith and spiritual life are on the other. The world has a strong pull, but it doesn't usually win immediately. Instead, it inches opponents in its direction with a tug here and a tug there or by applying steady pressure that moves them gradually.

A person might begin by skipping church a few times, and it gets easier each time. Soon, the person isn't going much at all. When people quit attending church, their focus strays from God. Next, they stop reading their Bibles or praying if they ever did. They might let a little profanity begin slipping into their speech "for emphasis." It sounds cool, and what does it really matter? Movies, television shows, and music they once avoided now seem fine and even enjoyable. The world is gaining momentum and winning.

From there it's an easy slide into much more harmful things: drinking too much, a few drugs, lying, cheating, underhandedness, selfishness, greed, etc. And strange, as their priorities change, they never realize what is happening. They still don't consider themselves backsliders or sinning more than they once did.

They never stop to think this world is temporary. In the end that comes much too soon, wealth, possessions, power, or social status won't matter at all. The only things that matter are what we've done with Jesus and for the Lord. Those will be all that follow you into eternity. Hold fast to your faith and rely on the strength of the Lord to win this important tug-of-war.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye might prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).

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