A Type of War

When we decide to follow God, many aspects of our lives change because our desires and goals change. Nevertheless, deposits of the former life remain hidden deep in our hearts. Although we might try to forget them, those former desires and goals will hang around to trouble us.

God knows all about holdovers from our past. He can arrange circumstances to remind us of hidden motives—bring them to our conscious minds. When this happens, we experience a type of war. Paul described it this way: For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do . . . What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (Rom. 7:15,24 NKJV)

Every Christian is acquainted with the struggle. But just as God knows how to expose hidden motives, He knows how to help us deal with them. When we walk with Him, we know we’re forgiven and acceptable in His eyes. This gives us courage, and it causes us to respond to Him. Then He somehow works to bring about internal change.

Through the struggle, we can rest because we know His promise. [T]here is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [who] set me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:1,2b)

Originally published July 21, 1989.

Good Works

Good works are charitable deeds. Almost everyone appreciates them. They can help create pleasant circumstances and relationships within families, neighborhoods, and communities. Sometimes the media will highlight a good work—and warm everyone’s heart in the process. It’s commendable when people do good works simply because they are the right thing to do.

But very often we run into unforeseen difficulties when we try to do what is right. Our work might be misunderstood or condemned by others. We could end up with wounded feelings. We might run short of energy. We could lose that charitable feeling that should go with our charitable deeds.

If this happens, we can turn to God and He will help us. If we’re motivated to do a good work in His name, He promises to give special grace and strength. The Bible says He makes you complete in every good work. . . .” He never stops “working in you what is well pleasing in His sight. . . . (Heb. 13:21a,c NKJV)

Originally published August 28, 1986.
Picture: Flowers in Addis Ababa, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

Satan, the Accuser

It’s difficult for the human mind to accept Jesus as non-condemning. Yet He made that clear when He said, “If any one hears my saying, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” (Jn. 12:47 ASB)

Someone else is eager to point out people's sin. Scripture identifies Satan as the one who accuses Christians and non-Christians alike: Satan, who deceives the whole world . . . accuses them before our God day and night. (Rev. 12:9b,10b) He functions like a dreaded prosecuting attorney whose total purpose is bringing men to destruction.

There is an Old Testament illustration: A high priest named Joshua stood between the Angel of the Lord and Satan. The Lord rebuked Satan—not Joshua—and replaced Joshua’s filthy garments (sin) with festal robes (God’s righteousness). (Zech. 3:4b)

Originally published February 12, 1982.
Picture: Flowers in the courtyard, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.