One of the things I have tended to avoid is conflict. I am not a confrontational type of person.
The immense irony of this predicament is that to meet God where He is requires conflict. War must be fought to gain peace. I can’t afford to live off the mantra of anything for a quiet life, however attractive that sentiment appears.
Of course by conflict and warfare I am not referring to all the blood and guts that often is thought of. Neither am I considering a militaristic mind-set that afflicts some of my dear brothers in Christ who appear to approach things aggressively as though the whole armour of God legitimises the male fantasy of blowing things up, declaring war and physically fighting.
I am talking about the spiritual warfare that takes place on two plains. One is that of the inner struggle between who you used to be and who you are now in Christ. Who Jesus says you are and who you thought you are often comes into conflict. The devil need not interfere in this avenue because he is more than content to leave us with what we fell into by dint of birth. The amazing victory of Jesus at Calvary rescues us from God’s wrath and also allows to experience the death of self and newness of life in Him, which is wonderful. There is though those ongoing personal foibles that we can brush off as our imperfections, but are actually barriers to growth in Christ that should bring us to acknowledge our weakness without Christ and complete dependence on him. That call for conflict, that calls for confronting serious issues whether it’s or pride or apathy, lust or gossip. Whatever it is a passive approach is not an option for someone being conformed to the image of Christ.
I do thank God for restorative moments. The rest that awaits, however, is not one that passively comes the believer’s way it is something to fight for. And that quest for the rest means we are no longer going for anything for the quiet life.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
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