Beech Tree News Network

I am amazed to see the lifestyle of those in the Middle East. There are businesses, governments, and families in a “war zone.” These folks have lived this way for centuries. David knew war (I Chron. 28:3), Abraham knew war (Gen. 14:14-17), Moses knew war (Ex. 17:8-16, etc.), as did many others.

            Yet, how many have gone over to these places and traded in their stores, slept in their hotels, and ate their food? People have gone over and swam in the Dead Sea as if there was no fighting taking place! Some almost forget that war has been waged there for centuries and continues to be waged today.

            At home, it amazes me to see folks act as if we are not engaged in a war for freedom from terrorism. To some, September 11, 2001, might as well have happened 1000 years ago for no more thought than they give to that infamous date. Sadly, many have become indifferent to the day when over 3000 innocents died at the hand of Muslims who hate us.

            As I think upon the fighting taking place around the world, let me ask a question. “How many of us have forgotten that there is a war taking place for our souls right now?”

             Satan is our enemy (I Pet. 5:8). He is ever-vigilant in his efforts to take precious souls away from God. Sadly, people are working in his service and using their words and influence to bring more souls to him. We see this as we are bombarded with images, words, and acts that are based upon men following their lusts rather than God’s will (Jas. 1:14-15). Of course, we know that when folks follow their lusts instead of God’s will, it leads to spiritual death! Why then would we want to follow them? Yet, many do!

             Have we become calloused and insensitive to the war going on around us — the war for our souls? I know of Christians who are guilty of using “cuss” words and euphemisms in their speech. Some Christians will tell dirty/off-color jokes, while others speak lies, or “half-truths” as it is often called. These are things condemned by God (Eph. 4:25, 5:3-4). Yet, instead of being in conflict with the world, Christians often encourage others to “ease up” and not be so “judgmental.”

             We also see a lack of vigilance in our actions. This results in people dressing immodestly (I Tim. 2:9-10), it results in divorce for unscriptural reasons (Matt. 5:32, 19:9), it results in conforming to the world (Rom. 12:2), and it results in “vain” worship (Matt. 15:8-9)! God wants true worshippers to worship “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:23-24), but this cannot be done when we are acting like the world!

             God said that we can’t be the world’s friend and His friend at the same time (Jas. 4:4; Matt. 6:24; I Jn. 2:15). Yet, who among us has not tried it? What is the result? It is not a closer walk with God! Let us remember that we have a choice to make in this life —God or Satan! We cannot be “oblivious” to the war that is going on for our souls! The apostle put it this way: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). Your mindset determines “life” or “death.” Who is winning the war for your soul?

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167