The Gloves Are Off (Election Edition)

Scripture reference: 2 Timothy 4:7

Transcription:

We’re 86 days from this year’s presidential election, and the gloves between the two campaigns are officially off. Both campaigns have contrasting visions for America, and their fight continues to escalate. 

Let’s get personal for a moment. Have you ever been in a situation where things escalated, and you didn’t want them to? Or your opponent has taken their gloves off, but yours are still on because you’re in denial about what you’re up against. I know for sure I’ve been in this situation before.

Here’s Golden Rule # 1 when you encounter opposition: do not allow yourself to be overcome by fear; it will weaken and misguide you. Remember, God did not give you a spirit of fear (see 2 Timothy 1:7). Instead, He has equipped you with power, love, and self-discipline.

As a follower of Christ, here are three (3) important questions to ask yourself when facing opposition:

1. Who are you fighting? Ephesians 6:12 makes it plain for us. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil…” When you recognize the spiritual influences at play, you know how to equip yourself better.
2. Why are you fighting? First, never fight just for the sake of fighting.  As Christians, we fight the good fight because the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, kindness, and faithfulness, are not just personal attributes but powerful forces that can transform our surroundings. Our truest battle is against those forces that seek to undermine these fruits.
3. How should you fight? When the gloves are off, God has fortified you with what you’ll need and it’s explained in Ephesians 6:11-18. Put on the whole armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Sometimes, the gloves are off in our own lives because we can no longer deny that God is asking us to use the gifts, skills, and resources He’s blessed us with to be agents of change for such a time as this.  

Remember, the fruits of the Spirit are not just for our benefit but are meant to be shared and to uplift those around us. So, let us fight the good fight, not just for ourselves but for the greater good, knowing that our efforts are part of a larger, beautiful tapestry woven by Christ.

As you reflect on that, remember these words – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 

This has been your B Moment. Your moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.

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So today, put up your dukes!