“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12

Modern culture has led us to believe that once we make a decision to believe in Christ, we are all set. For many, making a profession of faith does not lead to a change in the way they live. This is evidence of a false profession.

Over the years I have done much evaluation of my life and know full well that I have failed miserably. I’ve even been foolish enough to think I can go to God and confess sin knowing full well that I was going to commit the same sin again. I will be the first to admit that this is lying to God and there is no excuse whatsoever.

What have I learned from this evaluation? I learned that believing in Christ is a daily surrender and a war that I voluntarily choose to fight. It is a fight to trust God, a fight to find joy in Him alone, and a fight to become holy.

I’ve always been under some impression that these qualities (fruit of the Spirit) should come naturally to a believer. It is true that when we are born again, we are given a new heart. However, our flesh is still with us and is constantly at war with the spirit within us.

To make progress in our faith, we must fight daily. This is a war we wage, not against flesh and blood, but against ourselves. The war is against our sinful desires.

Some may argue that this is putting too much reliance on our own ability, but it is quite the opposite. God is not opposed to effort but is opposed to earning. If our motive is to earn heaven, then we will fail, but if it is to strive to be holy because He is holy, then God will delight in us.

I pray this encourages someone.

-Phil