At War.
2 Peter 2:11; 17a (NLT)
11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
What worldly desires have we still attached ourselves into? As much as I don't want to get into it, I still got some of them. Praise God, many of those desires have gone away from my system, but there are still those who like to cling on. As aliens and strangers of this world, we must be able to keep ourselves away from them. We ought to do everything to go against what will keep us inactive or unproductive in our work as believers. Run away from them as far as you can and always think Godly thoughts. As what I've learned, the more we hold ourself together with the Spirit of God, the more we are able to produce spiritual and Godly things in our lives.
17 Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters.
Those worldly stuff in me still "war against my very soul!" I ought to stay away from thinking about these things in my head and just rely on the Spirit of God to move. I have the tendency to work things with my abilities but I know I shouldn't because many times have I missed God's blessings by operating that way. Verse 17 also reminds me to give proper respect to everyone - young and old alike. I must be able to act towards others with respect; loving them especially my Christian brothers and sisters. I have failed on this many times, especially with certain people, and I definitely want to change my mindset on this - to learn to give respect to everyone!
Lord, please grant me the desire to fight this war within me. Help me to not be thinking so much about what "I" can do, but rather, help me to rely on Your power that is greater than my abilities. Give me a heart that will learn to love others and give them the proper respect they deserve. Whether or not they "deserve it" in my own opinion, help me to see them as how you see them - precious people. Guide my thoughts O Lord. Guide my heart. Guide my words. Season my life with Your love. I offer this day to you and everyday of my life, in Jesus' name amen.
