In the sport of Tig-of-War, opposing teams attempt to pull the other team over to their side, or across an imaginary line. Today’s Holy Nougat illustrates how that operates in our lives.
“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians 5:17 NLT
I believe that humanity is wired for alignment with God’s Spirit, despite our proclivity to evil. And although this is somewhat connected to The Fall, we also MUST recognize that unlike Adam, we can’t simply pass the back to Eve and continue merrily along. We eventually get to the point of recognizing our wrong (ie sin/evil), and (sub)consciously decide to feed our desire. There’s sometimes a tug-of-war that ensues, as our wiring seeks to align with God’s Spirit while our sin nature encourages other behavior.
Although this is a slippery slope to negotiate, let’s consider Hurt or Offense as an example. And, let’s use 1 Samuel 24. This is a good example of the two natures as Saul, having seen David’s popularity after the Philistine victory, felt Hurt/Threatened by David’s popularity. He allowed that feeling to overcome his good judgement. Soon all his energies were channeled to eliminating David’s life. This continued to the point where Saul became manic and David a fugitive.
Saul’s sin nature was acting completely contrary to what God desires; even when someone does us wrong. Plus David was innocent of initiating the problem. Saul should have been upset with Samuel for anointing David; or at God for choosing David to be the next king, but sin nature isn’t rational.
Having been forced into hiding, living a vagabond lifestyle; David’s anger at Saul would be understandable. The king had placed him on the Most Wanted for trying to save his country and king. And on that fateful day; David had the opportunity to get even. Saul was vulnerable and literally unguarded. Warrior-David could have exacted revenge. But he allowed himself to yield to God’s Spirit.
Each time we opt to yield to God’s Spirit, we increase our capacity to yield another time. And another time. And the ability to bear fruit improves. And we lean more and more into intimacy with God.
The tug-of-war is not only about Hurt and Offense. We make these choices daily about lying, cheating, prejudice and other sins. Our response can make an eternal difference. May God’s Spirit prevail in each season.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
