Dont Let Them Take The Fight Out Of You

A few moons ago, a friend of mine asked me that if I had ever been in a fight. I assumed she was talking about school experiences, and I told her that I had never actually been engaged in a true fist fight scenario. We then proceeded to discuss if there was any value in fighting for something, anything. We both agreed that the value of fighting for something comes in when you care about whatever something is your fighting for. In a circumstance where physical violence plays a role, I would say that fighting is completely and utterly unnecessary, save for a particular scenario when someone that I cared for deeply was in immediate danger.

Fast forward a couple of moons. I was talking to another friend who is actively involved in a civil/social justice movement that is centered on child soldiers. We discussed in general, if there was any value in fighting for social justices, and humanitarian efforts. The problem I explained, was that we live in a fallen world, that will remain fallen till the return of Christ. I further explained some people may not want to get involved in these efforts because it seems like fighting a battle that can never be won in our lifetime. Essentially, the problem lies in the impossibility of the world to become a perfect place.

My friends response was inspiring. From what I understood, my friend basically told me that there was value in fighting the social injustices. Let me put it a different way. The goal is not to have a perfect world here and now, but to fight for a better world. Fighting for the needs of people who hunger all over the world. Fighting for the freedom from the bondage of child slavery. There is of course more, but you know about these issues already. You know that they happen all over the world. You dont need me to inform you. This is not a mystery, this is the good samaritan. Remind yourself of Luke 10:25-37. Jesus gives clear parable on how to love our neighbor. To go out and help with humanitarian issues is not a question of Evangelism. You can share Jesus with anyone, anywhere. Yet it is our love for others that is perhaps our best form of evangelism. Sometimes this love is as simple as a quiet giving. Who are we to be so exclusive in the way that we love others? Does not Christ offer salvation to both Gentile and Jew? Now as you probably gathered I am not talking about fist fighting, or violence. I am talking about another kind of fighting. The type of fighting that says, "hey, I will not stand for that any more." What reasons do you need to fight? Is not the love for something enough? What about fighting for good, because it is good. What reasons do we need?

I harp on this for two reasons. One, I sincerely think that the evangelical community has forgotten the value in fighting for what is good, for no other reason then the fact that it is good. Secondly, I too have forgotten the value of fighting for something. Ive spoken at length about the first issue, allow me to now get personal with you.

It has been extremely easy for me to loose the will to "fight the good fight." Being in Christian Bible College has both been extemely benifical to my walk with the Lord, and this thing in my head people call a brain. Its also been draining, and at times, discouraging. Yet, as I learn to face the reality of my suffering, I am reminded that in midst of my lowest points, there stands a need and desire to fight. Not to fight the suffering to eradicate it, but instead, to fight for what I love and truely care about, namely Christ. Depression is not worth loosing God over. I have found it necessary to fall and face the dirt, come to terms with my pain, only so that I can slowly get up and fight again. To surpass those earlier obstacles which previously stood in my way, and to remind myself that there are some things worth fighting for, and they can not be fought for in apathy. There must be a Christ driven initiative. I say it again, there are things worth fighting for, even if it means the sacrifice of our lives. I think Christ certainly thought so.

Dont let them take the fight out of you.

Civilian.