The Ongoing Battle: Death for Victory

By Robert M. Gleich

The line of defense was drawn; the sight of the next battle decided. Courageous Civil War soldiers, nestled among the woods at opposite sides of a huge open field, readied their weapons: rifles, pistols and swords. Impatient tension was mounting on both sides. Sadly, many brave hearts would soon stop beating. Without notice, the morning summer breeze ceased and everything came to a complete stand still. There was a moment of total silence. Then someone sneezed. Suddenly, a loud, frenzied command shot forth, “Charge!” Soldiers of all ages from both armies quickly emerged running out of the woods, yelling frantically as they advanced toward one another. They were determined to silence the enemy—whether they were kin or not. Within seconds the hollering was overcome by the continuous blast of gunfire that now echoed throughout the once serene valley. The deadly clash was on. Much blood would be shed and numerous lives would be lost, changed forever. For some, eternity would be glorious; regretfully, for many others, it would not be so. Oh wretched war! Why death for victory?

Knowing the outcome of the Civil War, what influential factors do you think played a roll in its final result? For that matter, what determines the outcome of any type of battle: wisdom in strategy, strength in numbers or supremacy in weapons? Surely they all play a part.

As a born again Christian, when was the last time you fought a battle—a spiritual battle? What was the outcome? Were you unyielding and victorious or did you succumb and surrender? What do you think determined whether you stood or fell?

For Christians who try to be obedient and live a more Christ-like life, there is no doubt that the enemy will approach and battles will ensue. Though, probably more often than not, we are our own worst enemy and perhaps frequently battle our own fleshly desires and mental wants. “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15.)

We need to realize that we will have spiritual struggles. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12.) Satan may also try to harm or sidetrack us. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8.) We should be aware of the ‘camouflage’ he might employ. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14.)

We need to learn how to avoid ‘land mines’ (expected temptations) and be prepared to counter those often sudden ambushes (impulsive sinful desires). We need to be alert to the enemy’s offensive schemes of how he tries to persuade us to lay down our defenses and surrender. How often do we wave the white flag way too soon and, at times, succumb to his temptations - or our desires - and even outwardly look to others as though we have been captured, become a traitor and joined his side? Although for born again believers it is temporary, Satan still had a victory and we indeed had a price to pay: we dishonored the Lord and the name ‘Christian’ - did we not?

We can get more victories if we die to our self and live for Christ. Oh wretched war! Why death for victory? Death? Yes! Although this is a different type of death, it is still a death nonetheless - dying to our selfish wants, egos, unrighteous desires and other numerous unchristian acts and thoughts. Death for victory? Yes! Surely we will gain victories by dying to our self. Agreed, this type of death is contrary to our natural, sinful inclinations and is much easier to want to avoid than to embrace. Indeed, pray that the Holy Spirit would help. Until real physical death gives us the lasting victory, we will no doubt continue in this conflict – in this ‘Ongoing Battle.’

Robert (Marty) Gleich attends Concord Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Illinois and attends a weekly Bible study held at the Midwest Messianic Center in St. Louis, MO. Started in 1989, he owns and operates Residential Electric Service in Columbia, Illinois. Married in 1980, he and his wife Karen have a daughter Michelle, and a cat named Tabby. Although fishing is one, his other favorite past times are reading, which includes many of the Puritan Divines, and writing short stories. He is currently working on a story that he hopes will become a useful book to believers as well as for unbelievers.