In Romans 7:23 (NLT), the Apostle Paul said, “But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.” Do you ever find yourself caught in this struggle that Paul is talking about, when you’re weighing the desires of your heart against the teachings of your faith? This is the essence of the “war within” that many of us experience as we navigate life’s choices.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, vividly describes this internal conflict. He reflects on the tension between his intentions and actions, acknowledging that while he deeply desires to follow God’s law, he often finds himself falling short due to his sinful nature. He reminds us in Romans 7:25 (NLT), “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind, I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature, I am a slave to sin.” This passage sheds light on the struggle we face as believers: our spirits long to please God, yet we often wrestle with staying away from the sin of our fleshly desires.
Consider the decision facing a young woman I know: Sherry’s in a tough spot. She’s head over heels for her boyfriend, Cecil, and they’ve been in a relationship for a few years now. But then, out of the blue, he drops a bomb: let’s hit pause on the engagement and live together for a while. At first glance, it sounds practical, maybe even a bit romantic. But for Sherry, it’s like a red flag waving in her heart. Is Cecil really in it for the long haul, or is he just stalling on the promise they both deserve? That question has her mind racing, caught between love and doubt.
In moments like these, it’s crucial to hold onto the wisdom of Mark 14:38 (NLT): “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Sherry knew that following her heart could steer her away from the commitment she felt toward Christ. Each day, as she wrestled with her feelings for Cecil and her faith, she realized that true love goes beyond just passion; it’s about sacrifice and staying in line with God’s Will. For all of us, things like this are a delicate balance sometimes, but Sherry knew she had to stay vigilant, and so do we.
God holds us accountable for standing strong against our fleshly impulses. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice broke the chains of sin, giving us the power to rise above temptation through his strength. Romans 3:23 (NLT) reminds us, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” But that truth isn’t an excuse to indulge in what goes against God’s Will and Word. Instead, it’s a call to pursue righteousness, even when the road gets tough. It should inspire us to fight the good fight of faith even harder and do all we can to please God.
Like Sherry, we all must reflect on our relationship with God and examine our commitment towards what it means to remain faithful to Him. Sherry knows that this battle is not unique. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) assures us, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” This promise is our anchor as we are vigilant to pray for clarity and strength.
Choosing righteousness means setting boundaries that honor both our faith and our future. When we’re faced with temptations in relationships, we must have the courage to be honest and say, “I love you, but I believe God has called us to pursue a relationship that honors Him.” We must have faith in God’s Word and understand that we will never be at a disadvantage for choosing to honor Him over all else.
Our relationship with God calls upon us to recognize the war within but still choose righteousness. Holiness isn’t just a goal; it’s a way of life that brings us closer to God and preserves our futures. When faced with temptation, we must remember that we have the power to choose the path of righteousness. God is always ready to support us with His grace, guiding us toward the escape route He promises.
True love always aligns with God’s Will. It nurtures and strengthens relationships that are built on mutual respect and unity in Christ—our fortress and strong foundation. As we navigate our own struggles, may we find the strength to resist temptation, choose holiness, and honor our commitments—both to God and to those we love. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The War Within, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.