Fight The Good Fight

I've always kinda been a sucker for a good fight. I think it started with a boys right of passage / rivalry between a group of us cousins, then gained some momentum through being on wrestling teams for 6-7 years in school, then blossomed again while in the USMC.

Here's the thing about fighting, either by physical blows, or by verbal punches that wound even more deeply. Win or lose, a fight is never as satisfying as you imagined it would be. Why? Because we are too often fighting for or against things that ultimately do not matter.

The phrase "fight the good fight" comes from a biblical reference in 1 Timothy 6:12 which says, "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

I was reading through a sermon by Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Seminary. Here is how he outlines 1 Timothy 6 and the "Good Fight of Faith," and I believe he is spot on the money.

To Fight The Good Fight, We Must Know What To Focus On 
[1 Timothy 6:11]

1. Pursue Righteousness and Godliness.
2. Pursue Faith and Love.
3. Pursue Patience and Gentleness.

To Fight The Good Fight, We Must Know What To Fight For
[1 Timothy 6:12]

1. Find Strength In Your Calling.
2. Find Strength In Your Confession.

This week at Randall Church, we take a moment to celebrate two different lives. First the life of John B. Will, serving faithfully at Randall since 1954, and celebrating his 100 year birthday this week. Second, we celebrate the life of Melanie Weber, who went to be with the Lord this week at only 55, with half as many years on this planet, yet a full life that finished strong for Christ.

Both of these wonderful life stories have maintained a balance of what it looks like to "Fight The Good Fight." They have embodied for each of us this creed: I am not my own, but I belong with both body and soul, both in life and death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

I pray that I would learn how to revel in that fight. To God Be the Glory!