FIGHT ON



Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport of high energy, a relentless melee between two opponents in full combat mode. I’ve not been a fan of MMA or boxing for that matter. Maybe that’s because in Middle School I experienced boxing for the first time and quickly discovered I didn’t like getting hit in the face on purpose. When I got punched in the nose that first time I staggered for a moment but my knees didn’t buckle the coach then yelled out—“Fight on!” There is also a combat mode in every Christ-follower’s heart that consists of two opponents in constant struggle with each other. It is the fight between what the apostle Paul calls the old nature and the new nature.

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” (Galatians 5:17)

The old but active nature is a wily veteran of the flesh and never wastes an opportunity to apply all the deadly tactical weapons at its disposal to wage war against the new you.  Its arch nemesis the new nature, a.k.a. Grace is always on guard to resist and defeat its foe.  Grace will deploy faith, hope, and love loaded in the chamber of prayer and suited up in the “whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18) to drive out the evil that earnestly wrestles for supremacy. It is a relentless melee between opposing natures that will never cease as long as you are in this world.

Even though the evil nature is heavily entrenched within you and the conflict is ferocious you have a Colossal Compatriot, the Holy Spirit, to come to your aid.  With His powerful assistance your new nature is promised victory and eventually you will become more than a conqueror through Jesus who loves you. (Romans 8:31-39)

Are you in a battle struggling with your “sinful nature” today? Are your opponents, Satan, the World, and your Flesh in a tag team MMA-like fight against you right now?  Fight on! These foes are no match for the Spirit residing in your corner—your heart. Fight on living for Jesus. Remind yourself; “I’m saved —saved by His power, saved to a new life which is sweet making my joy complete because I’m saved, saved, saved!” Fight on! Victory is just a prayer away. Fight on as He raises the triumphant banner of love over your life.

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