Go Out Swinging

Despite our intention or desire for it, most of us will experience some time in our lives when we have to fight. Whether it be a physical brawl or a verbal judo match, there should be some point in our lives where we realize that we must make a stand for ourselves that we will not back down from no matter the consequence. This is what Jesus did when He went to the cross to die for us. In return, this is what many faithful followers have done for Him, becoming martyrs for the sake of He that saved them. And, even for those who have not given their physical life, Jesus himself said that if we are not willing to give our living life (as living sacrifices) that we are not worthy of Him. That is a powerful statement that, unfortunately, many who profess Christ are unwilling to follow. And also unfortunately, this is the reason that many will be, as God’s word says, spewed (spit) out of God’s mouth for being lukewarm.

I heard a very interesting statement today that was related to the idea of what we mentally feed ourselves and allow into our hearts and minds. This movie might have a little bit of vulgarity or inappropriate lustful behavior, but we say it is okay since it is just a little. The whole thing isn’t bad, we say, and so it’s okay. We’d rather just go along with this than fight for our soul and be strict on what we allow to influence us. And you better believe that everything that you watch, read, and listen to will make a deposit of influence if you don’t catch it, which is why the scripture says to CAST DOWN every thought that rises AGAINST the will of God . The comment that I heard goes to say, if someone offered you, say, a chocolate chip cookie, and told you that about two of the chips, only two, were turds – yes, turds, as in feces, poop, etc. – would you eat it? If they said, it’s just a little bit of it but the rest is good, would you eat it? If they said that such a tiny amount won’t hurt you, would you eat that nasty cookie? No!!!! So why do we allow our minds and hearts to eat all of those movies, and songs, and books, when they are laced with mental and spiritual bowel? It makes no sense!!!

There is a statement that I heard a long time ago that said “I’d rather die on my feet than live my life on my knees.” This was a statement about being willing to do whatever it takes to stand on your principles and values, even if it means your life. As Christians, we should be willing to do whatever it takes to be able to stand on our Biblical values, no matter the consequences. No matter what the challenge is that comes your way in life, how about standing from this day forward, and if you have to go, go out swinging. If you get sick in the body, stand on the faith that God can heal you; keep swinging!!! If you get tempted, stand on the faith that God will not allow you to be tempted by more than you can handle; keep swinging!!! If you find your self in financial struggle, stand on the faith that your heavenly Father is your all sufficient and has cattle on a thousand hills, and that He as a good father will take care of you if you seek Him first so all else will be added; keep swinging. And if anything else comes to you which is counter to the promises that God has given you; stand on the faith that the devil is a liar and you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who strengthens you, and keep swinging to the VICTORY!!!

Bless you in the name of Jesus!!!

Rev. Kelvin N. Broadus