Good morning! It is Monday, June 10, 2024. Have you ever watched the marital art of Judo? It employs the principle of using your opponent's strength against them. Instead of matching their strength with an equal or greater force, Judo leverages an opponent's own energy to get them off-balance for the throw. Satan is a master at getting us off-balance by using our strengths against us. But if we have a solid stance and stay balanced, we can overcome his schemes. Read on …
Today's Reading:
Song 1,2,3,4; Ephesians 6
Scripture
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:11)
Observation
As much as I hate seasons of struggle, I must admit that these are the times when my character and capacity have been enlarged, my heart refined, and my mind sharpened. However, I have also experienced the enemy's strategies during those times. This is one area where I must become wiser, for the devil uses both our weaknesses and strengths against us. My vulnerability lies in the areas where I think I am strongest.
Application
One example is that I enjoy helping others. The devil uses this by entrenching me in other people's problems, one after another until I am fatigued and my life is out of balance. There will always be another battle, and if we add everyone else's battles to our personal ledger of responsibility, we will live an unbalanced life.
I have felt guilty when others were struggling and I was not. So, I would jump in and try to swim the swamps for them, then get secretly angry that I had to do so. I am not some spiritual Spartan who is never defeated or fatigued.
I will be pleased to help when the Commander in Chief asks me, but first, I must not neglect my primary responsibilities: my health, attitude, family, self-discipline, spiritual disciplines, and financial stewardship. I know we can use some of these principles to rationalize "non-engagement" with others, but that is not my main problem; it is the opposite.
The Lord said, "Love one another even as I have loved you." Therefore, I need to revisit the way God loves and make that my stance to keep me balanced. It is always wise, even though people may have to work through some struggles for themselves. It is time to learn how to love again.
It just might save my life.
Prayer
Lord, this lesson is worthy of my deepest consideration. Please teach me to love the way You love so I can gain balance in my stance and not live a lopsided life!
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