A Cause Worth Fighting For

by Chris Moore, Clarendon church of Christ, Abilene, TX

From The Reminder, February 13, 2011

(2 Timothy 4:7-8) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to all who have loved His appearing.”           

The first sentence of this passage gives three ways of saying the same thing.  It’s all about remaining faithful.  Make no mistake about it, remaining a faithful Christian is a fight!  Like most fights, the outcome usually depends on the cause.  If there isn’t much value involved, usually there isn’t going to be much fighting.

The treasure Paul was fighting for is the same we’re fighting for, our souls.  A crown of righteousness, eternal life, whatever we want to call it, is most definitely worth the fight.  What is the alternative?  Shall we start “the race”, as Paul called it, and just quit and give in to Satan?  There are times we all struggle with our spiritual lives, it is at this time we must see the value of our souls and our future destination (Heaven or Hell) for some motivation.  If the picture of Christ on a cross doesn’t motivate us enough, picture an eternity with the Savior, or Satan!

Add to that another motivating factor, our children.  We should value our own souls enough to stay faithful, but also those little eyes that watch us.  They learn the value of their own souls by seeing how we value ours.  They will “fight the good fight” if they see us committed to the battle against Satan.

Brethren, there is too much at stake to shy  away from the conflict.  Satan will never retreat nor surrender.  One president was asked by a reporter how long our country would be at war.  He replied, “Until we win.”  That must be our reply concerning our battle with Satan, “Until we win.”