Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
When I was a youngster, I got into occasional scraps with the boys I went to school with, as issues came up and minor disagreement occurred. Other boys fought good-naturedly with each other, as we watched, testing each others’ strength and flexibility. There were no rules; we just fought, and it was either fist-fighting or wrestling. But lately I have noticed that among professional fighters, there are many different forms of fighting. Many different forms of boxing, martial arts, and oriental-based regimens are available to those interested in fighting. There are various levels of involvement and awards for all of them. The Christian also has a choice of different forms of fighting. However only one of them, the fight of faith, has any opportunity for recognition and reward.
The Christian can opt for the fight of accommodation, attempting to accommodate his beliefs with the lifestyles of the people around him. The fight of faith has no traffic with accommodation, because the lifestyle of a believer should conform to that of his Lord, not of his environment. A Christian might also opt for the fight of self-worth, pushing himself to the fore in his endeavours and actions. But the good fight of faith knows nothing of self, trusting entirely in the strength and wisdom of the Lord. Some Christians opt for the fight of indifference, attending a few meetings, keeping in touch with other Christians occasionally, but otherwise shuffling through life without any spiritual commitment or effort. The good fight of faith is far from indifferent, knowing the strife and conflict that comes with nailing the colours of Christ to the mast.
The good fight of faith is a real fight, with plenty of wounds and hardship, plenty of clashes and strategy, lots of action and excitement. A deep commitment to the good fight of faith leaves everything else behind, there is no room or time for anything else in the life of the Christian.
The Lord is signing up soldiers today for the good fight of faith. It may not be a comfortable life, but it is the only one that leads to victory. -Jim MacIntosh