Beech Tree News Network

I am amazed to see the lifestyle of those in the Middle East. Businesses, governments, and families are in a literal “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.

How many of us have gone to the Middle East and traded in their stores, slept in their hotels, and eaten 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.

As we think about the fighting taking place in the Middle East and around the world, let me ask, “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, there are people working in his service and using their words and influence to bring more souls to him. We are “bombarded” (a military term) daily with images, words, and acts that are based upon men following their own lusts rather than God’s will (Jas. 1:14-15). Of course, we know that when folks follow their own desires 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 being waged 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 they are 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 take issue with those speaking the truth and encourage others to “ease up” and not be so “judgmental.” How will this help the situation if we ignore problems?

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 “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 cannot 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, that is for sure! Let us remember that we have a choice to make in this life — God or Satan! We cannot be “oblivious” to the war 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 your “life” or “death.” Who is winning the war for your soul?

 -- Jarrod Jacobs preaches with the Caneyville church of Christ in Caneyville, KY. He can be reached at (270) 589-4167 or http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com.