People with purpose commit themselves to a way of life that goes against the flow! Things left to themselves quickly deteriorate, don't they? As I write, I'm looking out on my little half acre lawn. It requires constant attention to be kept attractive. Today there are leaves scattered across the grass, waiting for me to rake and mulch them. Come Springtime, weeds will invade if I do not put down the proper herbicides. Then, the grass will need a weekly mowing. It's not just the lawn that needs to be maintained. Organizations fall into ineffectiveness without constant leadership. The church that I lead presents new challenges for my pastoral leadership almost everyday! Our President called together leaders from Middle East nations yesterday. Why? Peace, or what passes for it in that hotspot of the world, requires nurturing, arm-twisting, and negotiation under pressure. Even nations left to the natural course of things do not tend to peaceful relations, but rather to the chaos of war!
Why is the course of nature towards disintegration without intervention and work? The Bible explains it with these words in Genesis. God said, "Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made." (Genesis 3:17-19, NLT)
Evil is a virus infecting every relationship, every organization, everything in this Creation. Unchecked evil destroys the best and causes the worst to emerge.
Why does a good God allow evil to continue to wreak havoc in this world? That is the question of the ages, for which we have only incomplete answers. But this we know: He calls people to Himself through Christ, gives them the power and gifts of the Spirit, and commissions them to do the work of reversing the Curse of evil! Wherever Believers faithfully do the work of God, good follows. The suffering of sin is defeated by the proclamation of the Good News that Christ is Lord of all, by the diligence of those who throw themselves into the battle against evil in all of its awful expressions.
It is no easy task, nor is it done once. Only the work of the Cross is finished, complete for all time. The work of setting the world right is ongoing, a task in which we renew our efforts daily. Yesterday's victories are challenged by new demons, new conflicts, new weeds growing in our world today.
Does that all sound exhausting? It can be if we attempt to wage the war in our own strength and by our own wits! That is why the Scripture reminds us to suit up for battle. "God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.... Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet." (Ephesians 6:10-11, 13, The Message)
Taking up the call of God is not for cowards, lazy people, or those looking for an easy road. It is a way of struggle and sacrifice. And, it is a high and holy calling that brings rich reward in this world and in the age to come. God needs a few good men. (That term, dear sisters, is generic!) Will you be one of His mighty men, one of those who resists evil and builds the kingdom of righteousness?
Here's a word of encouragement from the Word. "...you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." (1 Corinthians 1:7-9, NIV)
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What this dying world could use,
Is a willing man of God.
Who dares to go against the grain,
And work without applause.
A man who'll raise the shield of faith,
Protecting what is pure.
Whose love is tough and gentle,
A man whose word is sure.
Men full of compassion,
Who laugh and love and cry.
Men who'll face eternity,
And aren't afraid to die.
Men who'll fight for freedom,
And honor once again.
He just needs a few good men.
God doesn't need an orator,
Who knows just what to say.
He doesn't need authorities,
To reason Him away.
He doesn't need an army,
To guarantee a win;
He just needs a few good men.
A Few Good Men
Jennings © 1990 Townsend and Warbucks Music ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055
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