Conundrum or Conquest

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The truth concerning the Christian life is that either sin will keep us from God’s Word, or
God’s Word will keep us from sin. There is no middle ground in the matter. The apostle John
tells us that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [1]

We continue to have a sinful nature that must be conquered on a day-to-day and moment-by-moment
basis. We are constantly facing choices between good and evil. Until we reach that celestial
city, sin will be seeking admittance to our hearts–however Christian we be. The Christian life
takes place on a battlefield–we dare not pretend otherwise. The apostle Paul instructs his readers
to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” He makes it quite clear that we are to
“put on the whole armor of God” in order that we “may be able to stand against the schemes of
the devil.” [2]

If professing Christians enter politics, or even the Christian ministry, there will be no
circumventing the apostle’s forewarning in this matter. To be sure, the Lord Himself will stand
by us providing we look to Him and His strength. As John Newton so cogently expressed in his
hymn,

Though troubles assail us and dangers affright,
though friends should all fail us and foes all unite,
yet one thing secures us, whatever be tide,
the promise assures us, “The Lord will provide.”

The birds, without garner or storehouse, are fed;
from them let us learn to trust God for our bread.
His saints what is fitting shall ne’er be denied
so long as ‘tis written, “The Lord will provide.”

When Satan assails us to stop up our path,
and courage all fails us, we triumph by faith.
He cannot take from us, though oft he Has tried,
this heart-cheering promise, “The Lord will provide.”

No strength of our own and no goodness we claim;
yet, since we have known of the Savior’s great name,
in this our strong tower for safety we hide:
the Lord is our power, “The Lord will provide.”

“My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Phil. 4:19

David C. Brand is the author of several books including Profile of the Last Puritan: Jonathan Edwards, Self-Love, and the Dawn of the Beatific published by the Academy of Religion (Scholars Press) in 1991.

Endnotes

[1] 1 John 1:8
[2] Ephesians 6:11