In conflict v25n5

In conflict?

V25 n5

Part 1

In this present world, one is able to look any place and observe the vast number of conflicts that there are. They will vary greatly in their intensity, but none the less they are still conflicts. Whether it be the conflict for the liberation of Iraq; or the diet that one is trying to maintain; or as Paul said, that constant battle or conflict to keep the body or lower nature in subjection to the divine nature (the Spirit of Christ within the believer). Most often people are quick to notice the conflicts that are taking place within the natural realm, yet will fail to notice those conflicts which are occurring within the spiritual realm.

Romans 7: 22. For in accordance with my better inner nature I approve God's law,

23. but I see another power operating in my lower nature in conflict with the power operated by my reason, which makes me a prisoner to the power of sin which is operating in my lower nature. (Williams NT)

Definition for conflict: 1. A striking or dashing against each other, as of two moving bodies in opposition; violent collision of substances; as a conflict of elements, or waves; a conflict of particles in ebullition (agitation). 2. A fighting; combat, as between men, and applicable to individuals or to armies; as, the conflict was long and desperate. 3.Contention; strife; contest. 4. Struggling with difficulties; a striving to oppose, or overcome. The good man has a perpetual conflict with his evil propensities. 5. A struggling of the mind; distress; anxiety. 6. The last struggle of life; agony; as the conflict with death. 7. Opposing operations; countervailing action; collision; opposition. 1. To strike or dash against; to meet and oppose, as bodies driven by violence; as conflicting waves or elements. 2. To drive or strike against, as contending men, or armies; to fight; to contend with violence; as conflicting armies. 3. To strive or struggle to resist and overcome; as men conflicting with difficulties. 4. To be in opposition or contradictory. (Webster’s 1828 dictionary)

Definition for struggle: 1. Properly, to strive, or to make efforts with a twisting or with contortions of the body. Hence, 2. To use great efforts; to labor hard; to strive; to contend; as, to struggle to save life; to struggle with the waves; to struggle against the stream; to struggle with adversity. 3. To labor in pain or anguish; to be in agony; to labor in any kind of difficulty or distress. (Tis wisdom to beware, and better shun the bait than struggle in the snare.) 1. Great labor; forcible effort to obtain an object, or to avoid an evil; properly, a violent effort with contortions of the body. 2. Contest; contention; strife. 3. Agony; contortions of extreme distress. (Webster’s 1828 dictionary).

Hebrews 12: 3. Yes, to keep from growing weary and fainthearted, just think of the examples set by Him who has endured so great opposition aimed at Him by sinful men! 4. You have not yet, as you have struggled on against sin, resisted to the point of pouring out your blood, 5. and you have forgotten the encouragement which is addressed to you as sons: "My son, refrain from thinking lightly of the discipline the Lord inflicts, and giving up when you are corrected by Him. (Williams NT).

When do conflicts and struggles begin? Doesn’t conflicts or struggles begin, when there is a difference of ideas or opinions? When is it that one has a conflict or struggle with God and His Word? Doesn’t this occur, when a person thinks they have a better grasp on reality and life then God? Doesn’t this happen when a person thinks or believes that they have a better understanding of their needs then God does?

Before grace or salvation became known to the individual, they had no real legitimate idea or concept of that which was lacking in their life. Yet, the reality is and the fact remains, that God knew that which we had need of before we asked of Him.

So why does a person come into conflict with God and His Word? Could it be because of the way we have been taught and trained by our families, our communities, and even the country which we live in? How much is one taught to rely in and on God in their every day life?

Jesus Christ never gave into the conflicts or struggles that came around Him, but rather remained obedient to the will and the Word of the Father in every aspect of life. Yes, the conflicts and struggles of life did confront Him; yes, Jesus of Nazareth was tempted in every manner that we are, however, He avoided them by always hearing and obeying the Spirit of Christ within Him.

For you though, how often do you have a conflict or struggle with that which God has set before you in His will and Word? Are you always willing and eager to do all that Father asks of you, or does what He asks of you produce a conflict or struggle within you?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka