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| Tugged In Two Directions |
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8:12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: 8:13 for if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live. 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Two forces are pulling us apart, tugging us in two opposite directions at the same time. And they won't let go. Ouch!
One force is a compelling inner pull toward negativity, self-destruction, immorality, and evil. The other is a sort of inner nudge to do right, to be positive, to help others, and to avoid evil. We humans are like a character in the old cartoons with a little devil on one shoulder and a little angel on the other; both trying to persuade him or her to do their bidding. That is not just a cartoon. It is real life!
All of us human beings are caught in between two forces each striving to influence our behavior. We live in a moment-by-moment tug-o'-war -- constantly yanked around.
Which force wins in a human life? When I used to talk about this to the men in the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center where I was the counselor and chaplain, I used the following illustration. I ask for two volunteers -- one to represent the bad force and the other to represent the good force. Then I have each volunteer take one of my hands and begin to pull on my arms.
Guess which man wins in the tug-o'-war when I am the "rope"? You got it, and the men get it to. The force that wins is the one I pull with. If I consistently pull with the man representing the self-destructive force it wins. But if I consistently pull with the man representing the positive force, it wins. And when I waver, neither wins.
Life is just like that. Are you being pulled down by negative, self-destructive compulsions? Stop pulling with them and begin to consistently pull with all your might against them and with the positive forces in your life.
Are you wavering? Quit changing sides. Don't just pull for the good now and then. Instead, continually pull for the good and your life will be good.
Which side is winning your personal tug-o'-war? It is really up to you! The force you choose to consistently pull with will decide whether you win or lose! Choose wisely!  ---YOU--- |
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| To add a comment to "Tugged In Two Directions" |
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| July 04, 2008 |
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ummm... chose Life!
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| July 04, 2008 |
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| Good thoughts. Thanks. |
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| July 04, 2008 |
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| Thanks Bubbles and Trukki! |
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| July 04, 2008 |
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| My life was a tug-o-war I am now 54 yrs. of age 30 yrs. of my life was a mess I was involved with drugs and alcohol you may say my tug-o-war was the devil and God .I had noware to go so one day I started to pray all of a sudden I went to The Salvation Army mens shelter for homeless men I could stay for free if I volunteer . One day someone I herd talking about the ARC. program I went to check it out not to realize but my life was to change I met a Major Courtland Moore this man was to change my life forever he was a God send I was looking for . My prayers I realize are being answered . God was to come back in my life actually God never left me I left God. My tug-o-war was to end .Today I am 5 yrs sober and happy to say A soldier of The Salvation Army. Today I give testomoneys of my life to others that I may help them . I have started giving my own bible studies of my own have become a songster in church also help with offering and attend Sunday school .My tug-o-war was over I have the lord back in my life .Every day now gets better &better every day . I thank God for answered prayer.The tug is over but the war to share Gods word is on |
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| July 04, 2008 |
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| Excellent! |
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| July 04, 2008 |
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| Awesome testimony, Brian! |
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| July 04, 2008 |
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Steve's line The force that wins is the one I pull with and Brian's actually God never left me I left God says it all. |
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| July 05, 2008 |
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| Thanks Cheryl. |
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| July 05, 2008 |
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Hey there Steve; nice ideas for someone who eats of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
(No offense please we all eat our part)
If one gets between two forces, this one is led by the carnal mind control of delusion.
For there is only ONE God. The scriptures say it is God who pulls in each direction for the purpose of Good, and development of his seed within. Jesus says we can do NOTHING without him first doing it through us. Jesus says it is his Father who chooses US, not our free will who chooses him.
Nothing will change, unless we stop eating from the tree of duality. This mind control of knowledge will only divide the power of God within you. We will be nothing but REACTORS to our carnal minds.
I will say this again my friend. The MIND control around us is because we are eating from the knowledge of GOOD -vs- EVIL.
It is better to eat of the one and only WILL of God within us who's name is Jesus Christ.
Peace...........
Kw. |
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| July 05, 2008 |
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| It brings to mind the verses in The Word which talk about doubleminded individuals, and you are so very correct, it is a continual war within. Though, the continual war within me led me to search intensely...and even now, if I get complacent the war starts, and I get back in line! What a gift from God! That he would care enough to discipline us and love us is amazing! |
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