At the end of the first Rocky movie, the fight comes to an end and it ends in a draw. As Rocky and Apollo speak to each other Apollo says “Aint gonna be no rematch!” To which Rocky says, “Don’t want one.” Apollo and Rocky had seemingly had all they wanted in the fight that changed both of their lives and didn’t want to go through all that again. Of course, enter the sequel. But on the point of not wanting a repeat of the last fight, we must look to our new life in Christ and see just where it is going, if anywhere!! There comes a time when we no longer fight the same old battles of our past and we breathe new life in a new direction. 1 Peter 4:Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
Maybe the old haunts of your past keep trying to draw you back into another battle between who you are now and who you used to be. Our enemy satan throws one thing after another in our path to try and distract us from continuing on the narrow road of victory. That narrow road is not without pitfalls, but God is faithful to guide us through all those pitfalls and we come out clean on the other side. In our world we see that the power of persuasion is very powerful and how we feel we match up to others is a huge draw on us. If those “others” are living a life contrary to what Christ has called us to live it is time to give a deaf ear to their influence and let the influence of the Holy Spirit guide us in our everyday lives.
When in college I pledged a fraternity and at the time it seemed wise to be in one of the social organizations on campus. When they came after me they promised great influence, as well as, parties and high standing with the sororities on campus. All of this sounded good, so I joined and realized there are a lot of needy people in the social realms who really need an identity change. They have bought into the lie that drinking and partying is where the action is and go down a road that could end in destruction. This is the case for the lost and the saved. Those social butterflies think that their partying lifestyle is the only way to go and verses 4 speaks about this very subject where it says. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
After all, how could anyone resist the possibility of out of control alcoholism, STD’s, and future marital chaos? My mom used to say “misery loves company.” She nailed it. People who fall into that lifestyle will always try to get some type of credibility for it from those who don’t practice it. Which shows just how lame that lifestyle is and will always be. In 1 Peter 4:7 there is a clear word for all Christians about this subject 7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. The sober part alone would be a great change for so many who have dialed into the party atmosphere. Go through life clear-headed and clearly headed toward what the Lord has in store for those who love Him and follow Him. The path is narrow but it opens up to a wide range of possibilities that are ALL good and lasting. Time to get on the right path and then experience all the things that God is going to do for His children.
The Pilgrimage continues…..
David Warren
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