The Warfare Within

December 3

To Win The Warfare Within by Dr. D. James Kennedy

‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’—John 3:6 When we become born again, we inherit a spiritual battle. Our old nature wars against our new one.  Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade used to tell a story that described these old and new natures as two dogs: a black dog and a white dog that were wont to fight viciously.  Dr. Bright said, “Which dog will win is determined by which dog you feed.  Feed the black dog and starve the white dog, and the black dog will win; feed the white dog and starve the black dog, and the white dog will win.”  Which nature are you feeding? Much in our culture feeds the “black dog.” We feed our sin-filled natures often—not always, but often—when we turn on the television set; go to a movie; read a newspaper, magazine, or novel; or listen to modern music. But we have a bountiful feast with which to feed the “white dog”—God’s Word.  As we read Scripture, God prepares us for the spiritual warfare we face.  To be strong warriors for Christ, we need to dwell less on things of the flesh and instead delve into the Bible. We need to write God’s Word on the slates of our minds and the tablets of our hearts. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”  We can also feed our new nature by spending quiet time with God, especially by praying for forgiveness, guidance, and counsel. If we are ever to win the warfare within, we need to engage evil with God as our guide. Do you need to reevaluate your spiritual “diet”?  Choose to feast on God’s Word and on time spent with Him.  Do so, and you’ll gain all the strength you need for the battles ahead.