I suspect we all ask ourselves this question… is it (fill in the blank) worth the struggle? What difference will it make anyway? Is what is all that bad? Well… it might not be ‘that bad’ but is it in any way shape or fashion, good? Remember what Paul said?
“I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.” [Romans 7″14-16. MSG]
Frustration! However, we need to remember that it isn’t the falling, failing, sinning that defines us. It’s when we stand up again and try again that does. I would also say that it is when we realize that, for example – renewing our mind, isn’t a one and done but an ongoing process and one that we can invite our Triune God into our battle(s) – that we can become successful. Perfect will not be our status in this life, but our ongoing growth does testify to who we are becoming.
But let’s return to Paul’s lament
“But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.” [v 17-20]
Point. We can’t do it alone. Our ‘good intentions’ are never strong enough to defeat and overcome. I believe that’s why the Father gave us our armor (Ephesians 6). Look at those verses again – they protect and cover all of us (though an argument could be made that there is no defensive armor on the back of us – if so then I would argue that the Lord never meant for us to retreat, to give in, to surrender to our foe). Then after you begin to understand and appreciate your armor (that you put on) take another look at your weapons (2 Corinthians 10 beginning in verse 4). They are described as ‘mighty’, ‘powerful’ which defines effective.
For me, this means that I can overcome. It tells me I am becoming the person the Lord has always seen. That I can, “… do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I could also point out that we don’t live behind a 50 foot wall – we live in a fishbowl and others are watching how we respond to struggles. It also tells me that I’m not alone in my struggles, even when I am repeating a lesson I thought I had learned. But none of this can happen if I’m not part of the equation. I have a role, a responsibility and my primary responsibility is to continue… to NOT give up, to not sit in the dirt but to realize ……. it is worth the struggle.
