I read a book recently called “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. Something that he wrote stuck with me. In order to do art, we must make war (his was more eloquently put). We cannot merely sit at a computer and start typing out gold. We cannot stand at a canvas and flesh out masterpieces willy-nilly.
We need to make war. We fight for every syntax, every color meld, every musical combination. There is a huge resistance.
I will not steal Pressfield’s thunder but this resonated with me and struck my inner core. So imagine my surprise when I heard the same maxim being applied to the Christian walk.
Hear me. Not only salvation is under siege but also the walk, the journey, the quest for our Imago Christi, our Christ Image.
We read a book by Jerry Bridges in a study called “The Pursuit of Holiness” and this is where it was laid out most vividly for me. I grew up hearing the Devil prowled and devoured. I knew that there was an enemy. I knew that he strives to accuse the brethren.
But I did not live it.
I did not act it.
I acted as if I was on the side lines. I was at home on the couch stuffing my face with cheese doodles and watching “Friends” or “Lost.” I did not hold a sword in my hand, I held a remote.
I hear this is an epidemic in America. I’m not sold on that but then I have only been to another country once for two weeks and stayed secluded in a compound. What do I know?
While reading Bridges talk about justification and sanctification and what we need to be doing, I began to realize I needed to put to practice what Bridges and Pressfield were teaching.
We cannot be unintentional with an intentional enemy.
This is important and the crux of our walk. Our enemy is out for blood. Our flesh tastes good and he will not give us so easily. But we are not locked in an endless battle or fighting for a conquered kingdom.
We fight for King Jesus. We strive to build into His kingdom. We are fighting tooth and nail to grow in the likeness of His image. We create, we preach, we share, we encourage, we push forward so that we might, as one Body, as one Bride, as one Church, go out into the world and preach the Gospel. Make disciples. Seek first the kingdom.
Life is hard. There is blood, skin, bones involved. Feelings are hurt, hearts are torn. Friends leave and betray, leaders break your legs, followers push you from a cliff. But keep pushing forward. Fight the good fight. Contend for the faith. Do all of those actions the writers of scripture command.
Push forward.
Peace,
Bill
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