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Tug Of War


 Growing up, every camp movie seemed to have a moment where two teams came together to match their strength. Other than a wacky obstacle course where the underdogs would miraculously pull through, there was always the tug of war. Two opposing teams stood on either side of a line and had to pull a marker attached to a rope across it. When I finally experienced being on the other end of that rope it was a full test of will and strength.

As a man of God, trying to walk upright, there is a tug of war inside. My flesh often tries to pull me in a direction back toward the life and ways that I gave up. The world is good at trying to entice the flesh of men towards sinful ways. Watching a commercial, playing a videogame, listening to the radio, and then it's right in your face. Not just lust, but it seems the harder you try to walk upright, the more you have to fight anger, unforgiveness, and pride that gives opportunities to pull you into something foolish. So how can a man keep his way pure?

Psalm 119:9 says, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." The way to win the tug of war is to first recognize that we are not built strong enough to defeat the enemy on the other side. However, as we allow God to pull with us by inviting his Word into our lives, we are able to overcome the pull of the flesh. In order for us as sons of God to overcome the tug we must begin to heed His word and walk with Him. 

I pray that we all are able to win the war when our flesh starts to tug.

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