The struggles within

“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” Rom (7:18). The desire to do what is right and a lack of ability to carry it out: describes in clear terms, the inner struggles we face in our Christian walk. These struggles are the fine lines, which separate the Christian from the Sinner. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” James (4:1). A Christian must know to do good, have a desire to do what is good, and actually carry it out. Any thing outside of this, presents an ideal setting for an inner struggle. The struggle within, is the battle of the mind; one of good over evil. An unrelenting quest to control mind and body - by the forces of Good on the one hand and that of Evil on the other - and man, the object of this quest, must choose on which side to stand, and fight. For there are no neutral grounds, only one of two choices is possible – for or against. In the face of continuous pressure to, not do, what is good; we must firmly take our stand to do what the scriptures require us to do. Even if the whole world acts contrary to that which is good; we must still stand up for it. We are not of the world neither are we like the world.  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” Rom (12:2). Constantly we are been pushed and pressed, enticed and compelled; to do things our consciences tell us are wrong. No matter the pressure, we must not fall below God’s measure. He provides us with grace and mercy; a perfect way of escape from sore temptation. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape,” 1 Cor (10:13).

Our most grievous struggles are those private struggles we face alone. They are those habits that have made themselves, a thorn in our flesh. Many unsuccessful attempts we have made to stop them. Somehow we seem not able to muster enough strength to break these besetting sins. Our strengths become weaknesses in the face of these habits. Yet the scriptures say ‘let the weak say, ‘I am strong’’ Joel (3:10). We are strong because the Lord says we are. His desire is to see us turn away from evil and do what is right. He provides us with all we need to ‘put away the evil of our doings from before His eyes’.  He gives us the unique ability to ‘cease to do evil’ and ‘learn to do good’ Isa (1:16-17). For when we come to Him, that nature of sin is changed. He gives to us a new heart “I will give you a new heart ...” Ezek (36:26), the mind of Christ 1 Cor (2:16), and He makes us new creation 2 Cor (5:17). Thus providing us with the entirety of what we require to prevail over sin and over the Evil one.   

The knowledge or desire, to do what is good, will not cause you, to actually, do good. It is not enough by itself. All goodness comes from God. The knowledge, desire, and ability to do, good is from God. To learn to do, good; we must be taught by him who is good, and does good. The scriptures say of the Lord “You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes” Psalms (119:68). This is the secret of victory in our many inner struggles; indeed in all our struggles. All we need, we will find in God. For “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights,” James (1:17)