F.I.G.H.T.

The Christian life is not a passive life. Sometimes the snow will melt off the driveway, but usually (in northern climates) we have to shovel! Faith can sometimes be viewed as a passive word, not an active verb. It is active.

I have been thinking about active faith and how often the word fight or the image of battle is used in Scripture in relationship to faith (Eph. 6:10-20; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7). An acronym for faith, using the letters of fight, might be helpful to me, and possibly to you. I hope this encourages you.

FAITH: In both of the passages above addressed to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to fight the fight of faith. We have to fight negativity, the flesh, the world, the attacks of the enemy constantly, and it must be done with confidence in God and his work in our lives. Work it out as God works it in, as Paul says in Phil. 2:12-13.

INTENTIONALITY: The persistent widow in Luke 18 went to the judge persistently (to an annoying extent), deliberately, with a specific goal in mind. Consciously, willfully, purposely we need to seek God and seek to fight against our enemy. Plan to fight in a continuous manner for faith.

GRACE: His grace is sufficient for us, it is enough. As we fight and pray God will give us glimpses of his grace, and that will be enough for us.

HOPE in Promises: We fight with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Paul tells us to put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit (Rom. 8:13-14). As we confidently cling to and trust in God’s promises, wielding them against the enemy, we will have victory.

TENACITY: Hold on firmly. Fight diligently. Don’t give up or let go. Persevere. God is faithful.

F.I.G.H.T. As you fight, remember these aspects of the fight. May they help you have a well-founded battle mindset.