One of my friends was asked to describe his Christian experience in one statement, and his reply was "It is a path of rugged soldiery". His answer seems so brief, but in it I see the entire summary of a true Christian. Let us carefully unpack that statement, for within it we'll find lessons that will strengthen us up in this Christian walk.
As Christians we are in a spiritual battle. Once a person accepts the savior's call, he has enlisted himself as a soldier. He has chosen to walk on the narrow path, that path is not an easy road. It is rugged, full of obstacles, it is steep and thorny. But the Christian does not need to look at the challenges on his path. He knows that the saints have trod on the same path. Therefore, onward he goes, he dares not look down or look behind. His focus is on Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith, he walks by faith. He is a follower of the lamb. He takes comfort in the fact that every thorn that wounds his feet has wounded his master too. In every step that he takes he sees the footprints of the master, hope springs up within him for he knows that all the way his savior leads him.
Now that is the path, I've tried to describe it as vivid as I could in order to show us how the way appears. It looks daunting and tough but that is just a faint imagery of the real experience. It is tougher than I have described it. Then the journey gets even harder, for within that rugged, thorny road: there is a wily foe. That serpent of old called the devil and Satan who deceives the whole world, the enemy of souls. Peter describes him as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He is armed with cruel hate, on earth there is not his equal. With over six thousand years' experience, he organizes his forces and makes desperate attempts to overthrow the faith of the Christian.
In order for the Christian to make an advancement he MUST fight. Day by day, hour by hour, every inch requires a struggle. Paul had a view of such an experience and he wrote,
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. - Ephesians 6:12
With such a fierce battle before us, with the raging forces of darkness can the Christian dare to slumber? Why is it that there is manifested too little zeal, too little activity? Why do Christians still tarry in sin? Soldiers of the cross arise! Heir of the kingdom O! Why dost thou slumber?
The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force. - Matthew 11:12
It is not time to be a weakling, we've got no time to lose, stretch every nerve and press on with vigor. Cast away your dreams of an easy life, we are in the midst of foes for Christ's sake.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men BE STRONG. - 1 Cor 16:13
The battle cry is sounding; we need to fight the good fight of faith. The cause of the master requires you to be watchful and zealous. On every hand we are facing the adversary, he does not venture to show himself openly, lest he arouse the Christian's dormant energies and send him or her to God in prayer. Satan's step is noiseless, his movements stealthy, and his plans are hidden. The only way to identify and face him is through fervent prayer and a diligent study of the word. It is in this sense that we draw our strength from Christ and stand up in His strength alone. If you dare to fight in your own strength you will surely be overcome. We can resist only as we submit ourselves to God. We are admonished, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee away from you" (James 4:7). The devil knows that his power is limited, and if we firmly resist we cannot be overcome by his attacks. He fears resistance.
It is well-nigh impossible for us to resist him on our own. Because within the human heart there is an inclination toward sin, there is a love for iniquity in the carnal heart. That is why we need to be in constant prayer, that we may be endowed with power from above to face and overcome so terrible a foe. That Christ may abide in the heart and in the life. Christ is our only safety. Evil can be overcome only through the power of Christ. Through divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for Satan and all his angels.
Finally, my beloved brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. - Ephesians 6:10-11
Let nothing, no matter how dear it may be come in between you and your savior. When you fall in this spiritual battle don't lie down; stand up. Ask the savior to help you stay strong and His promise is sure that your strength shall be renewed (Isaiah 40:31). We are nearing the end of time, a grand and awful season, Satan redoubles his efforts and we too must be on guard. This strife will not be long. This day the noise of battle, the next is the victor's song. To those who overcome a crown of life shall be, they with the king of glory shall reign eternally. Make sure you win the crown, Fight! With all your might and soon you shall hear the glad word "Well done faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord."
The Mark of the Beast (Part 3)