The Wall

          Just as a marathoner will ‘run into a wall’ at mile twenty, so in life people will inevitably encounter challenging things to overcome. (Clarification: Every single marathon is 26.2 miles.) I have been challenged by myself to read a large amount of books. In fact, that is what I am now compelled to do. I wonder why I am still writing… The point is that in life, no matter who you are, you will come across so many obstacles! Most of my personal ones are just that, personal, and will be kept that way. However, I would like to discuss some, nonetheless.

          I’ve just begun a book about spiritual battles. There are three enemies for Christians.

1.      The World: Temptation is everywhere, and even though the world appears to be progressing, it is only managing to become more and more evil. I mean, sure, you hear about a new cause every day it seems, but the reality is that basically everything that fuels these (usually) good things is what feeds a much larger amount of sin. Look at it this way; the technology that helps police is what criminals will use to accomplish the crime. Does that make sense? Now, don’t look at me like I know you would if you could. I adore technology. I’m just saying that it and the rest of civilization’s progress lend a greater variety to how to sin.

2.     The Flesh: No matter who we are, we will always be human. Christians have the Holy Spirit to help them overcome our own human sins, but they can still choose not to listen to that guiding voice. It truly is a challenge when you have the urge to scream at someone, but you know that little pull you get to just keep your mouth shut? That’s the Holy Spirit reminding you to be like Christ.

3.     The Devil: This one scares me. I know that I am God’s forever, but to know that someone is always plotting to trip you up… I don’t look at people as role models in general. However, there are groups that I will avoid looking up to all together. If someone is a music artist who is highly publicized, I am almost always disgusted by how they act. I know it’s not always true, but in general… So for me, those famous music figures have a bad image, even if I’ve never heard of them, all because that career has been tarnished by others. While I am destined for heaven, what about those who are not? If I lose my grip on my faith even for a minute, I could ruin the Christian image and lose souls for God. I know I must keep vigilant to avoid such traps.

I feel as though I’ve been through more temptations ever, lately. I’m proud to say that I’ve avoided most. It’s just that as faith grows, so does temptation. I guess it means I’ve been growing stronger, but… “I know God won't give me anything I can't handle; I just wish he didn't trust me so much.” –Mother Teresa. My sentiments exactly.

          I’ve been developing strategies, studying, and other things to be whatever it is I’m meant to be. One of my classes next quarter even happens to be about Western religions. I’m very pleased with all this, but I wish I knew what I’m preparing for. Patience is not my virtue. I’m working on that.

          “We are locked in a battle. This is not a friendly, gentleman's discussion. It is a life and death conflict between the spiritual hosts of wickedness and those who claim the name of Christ.” -Francis A. Schaeffer

          And it’s not like I can lose hope in the battle, when the war has already been won. Chin up and grin, because losing the battle is a choice, not the sure outcome!