THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

 

Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

"After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that! But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too." 

2 Corinthians 11:19‭-‬21 NLT Bible 

     "Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn’t worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless. So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?  God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind." Ecclesiastes 2:21‭-‬26 NLT Bible 

   The above scriptures speaks of the futility in the pursuits of human achievements or success and teaches that boasting about human achievements is unwise . Unfortunately , the reverse is the case amongst many christians and this is a major turnoff for would-be new converts . Apostle Paul speaks of the extortion ,abuse and exploitation of the church by preachers who enrich themselves at the expense of gullible followers: they teach that godliness is equivalent to human achievements and wealth accumulation. This is the reason behind the poverty in Africa .

  We eventually leave all our achievements ( earthly possessions ) to persons who did not labour for them, that is what happens at death or when a success plan fails . There is no heavenly reward for wealth accumulation and fame . 

   The thoughts of this inevitable end of all mankind is the reason behind the misery amongst the so-called successful and those who crave for success  . The ultimate object of all human pursuits is peace and joy and it is more frustrating when haven attained an appreciable level of success and yet a person is still miserable (Revelation 3:17) due to the fear of the unknown. 

    Joy and peace comes from the inside ( the born again human Spirit ) not from the outside  . False prophets teach that a person's happiness is dependent on the magnitude of their human achievements. This results in pride , insecurity, low self esteem , marital failures , covetousness and misery.  

  This theology is contrary to the truth of the gospel , it is the reasons why some of the most miserable persons on earth are those claiming to be religious . Peace of mind and joy is attained  by faith . It takes what the bible calls the good fight of faith to achieve this . It is a fight within you that involves telling yourself ' joy and peace comes from the inside not from the outside'  and asking the Holy Spirit to saturate your mind with his peace . "..Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11‭-‬12 NLT Bible 

   Whatever you are pursuing in life determines the level of peace and joy you will experience  , therefore , Pursue after righteousness . What makes the fight of faith good is that victory is guaranteed regardless of the outcome in our circumstances. 

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