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

Historians tell us that long before Jesus, Alexander the Great and the king of Persia were at war.

A soldier in the army of Persia thought he could improve his standing with his superiors by constantly criticizing Alexander.

Finally, the Persian monarch called the soldier before him and said, "Friend, I pay you to fight against Alexander, not to condemn him."

Have you noticed that more and more people are spending their time condemning sin without fighting against it?

Everyone knows that things are wrong in their lives and in the world.

But almost everyone seems to be content merely to talk about those sins. Not many of the world's folk do anything about those sins and problems. I think God, like the Persian king, would like to call us in front of Him and say, "Friends, I want you to fight against sin, not just talk about it."

That's what St. Paul was urging young Timothy to do: fight the good fight of faith. Paul wanted Timothy to know the Christian life called for a battle against sin and the forces of darkness. It's a battle which is still raging.

It is a battle to which the Lord has called you and me to take a stand.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, Jesus has carried our sins. He has redeemed and restored us. Now we ask that the Holy Spirit may help us be Your fighters and take a stand against the evils and sins which exist all around us. These things we ask in the Name of our crucified and ever-living Redeemer. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Kings 16-18    Acts 13:1-25

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