This is a reprinted column from Jack Purcell’s “On the Journey” archives. It originally appeared in The Star in 2013.
There is a very interesting parallel existing in our world today with a spiritual condition that exists with those of us who call ourselves Christians. Some of you may not like my description of the first half of the parallel but I trust you will give it the benefit of an open mind.
I must admit that some of my comments in this article are influenced by the 20 years I served in the US Army.
Have you wondered why there is such commitment in our government to the idea that radical Islam can and should be reasoned with? If you were to talk with someone who spent much time in Afghanistan or other Muslim countries you would discover that Americans are completely hated, not because we are wealthy or “nation RNEY
building” or “arrogant” or some other social or political reason.
We are hated because we are infidels, non-Muslims. There is a description of this in the Proverbs 19:19 “Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you will only make it worse.” (MSG) Yet, there is still this notion that we should use diplomacy and reason. Reasoning with a fanatic is a useless exercise at best. So where is the deception? First, in thinking that you can turn radicals into peace-loving people. Second, that you can defeat this enemy with traditional reasoning.
A classic example is the recent butchering of a British citizen on a public street in London by a fanatic Muslim while a well meaning but ignorant woman tried to reason with the fanatic who was covered in the blood of his victim. The press by the way, made her into a hero.
By now you are saying what on earth has this got to do with my Christian life? A reasonable question deserves a reasonable answer. The New Testament has a great deal to say about the flesh. In simple terms, the flesh is attempting to live the Christian life out of our own resources rather than relying on Christ’s life within.
You might recognize it by getting angry when things don’t go your way, or over concern about what people think of you, or the attempt to always be in control of things.
“For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that ye please.” Galatians 5:17 (NAS) “. . .and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3 (NAS) With a modicum of spiritual insight you can already see the parallel glaring at you. Christians love to make excuses for their flesh, like “Oh well, it is just the way I am.” Others go about doing their best to tame the flesh or bring it under control. Many are not even aware the toll that the flesh takes in their lives.
Flesh will never concede, it will never discipline itself, it is always self-seeking, and it will not be reasoned with. It is a radical enemy of the spirit within. Do not be deceived by sermons on self-discipline. Just think about it. Self-discipline is the same as flesh-discipline. Flesh disciplining itself; if it wasn’t so serious it would be comical. It would be attempting to negotiate with a radical enemy.
Another parallel has crept into the picture. There is a funny line in the old movie, “The Princess Bride,” that says, “Never enter a land war in Asia.” Maybe it is not so funny. Here is another line that is not funny. Never go to war with the flesh, using the flesh as your weapon.
The only answer to the flesh is the cross of Jesus Christ. When we get desperate enough to deal with our fleshly attitudes and behaviors we must turn to Jesus not to our best efforts that are completely futile and will never end a war. We must be willing to turn from it, despise it as the enemy. This is one enemy we are not directed to love. I am not suggesting this is easy but it’s impossible to do by ourselves.
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