"Halfhearted Battle Against a Committed Enemy"

"And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; or again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'" (1 Cor.12:21)

The Taliban is trying to reassert itself.  Now they are attacking towns inside Pakistan.  I read a report today which stated, "The Pakistan army is trying to fight back, but it is a halfhearted battle against a committed enemy."  I have seen this true in football, and much more serious, this has been the defeat of nations throughout history.  Only inferior and uncommitted opposition can be defeated by "halfhearted battle."  The Believer in Jesus Christ, however, is up against the best the Kingdom of Darkness has to offer.  We do not just deal with the "troops" in this opposing kingdom.  We deal with the Supreme Commander, "a committed enemy."  You and I must out commit him. 

May this Monday find you in an all out effort against the enemy who has only one desire and design on your life----- total defeat.  And remember, "An army is a team.  It eats, sleeps, and fights as a team" (Patton).  Too many Believers have acted as though, "just Jesus and me," is sufficient in this battle and have found themselves defeated
ruthlessly.  You may say, "But isn't Jesus powerful enough to help me in the fight."  Perhaps, but that is not the issue.  You and I are not called to a life of individuality.  Earlier in the epistle, Paul says, "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit." Notice, it is "all...into one...." 

Do not say to anyone in Christ's Body, "I have no need of you."  Instead, try living a little more corporately, and see how your strength, and even your commitment, increases in the battle.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for Your Church.  Help me to live like it.   Amen
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Preaching this coming weekend with the CCE Congregation
Off to Washington, DC, this evening.


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