The War Wages On...

This week, I came across the words:

"The flesh is not totally annihilated at conversion; The war goes on."
- R. C. Sproul

It struck a chord with me for many reasons, but probably in most part due to the fact that I know this war well.

The truth is that the Lord has been so kind to give me eyes to see the life I once lived with disgust. But honestly, there are parts of that life that still twinge a romanticism in my soul.  Parts that I don't necessarily want to war with.  I could probably keep them as little pets, stroking them occasionally, thinking of them fondly...because really the world is continuously pouring into me that these parts I war against are not to be battled, but invited in, accentuated even.

And you know, when you walk around denouncing your former life in public testimony, you should be cured, right? I should be cured.  But, truly, the war wages on.  It would be foolish for me to say it didn't.  I, at that point, would surely open myself up to fall, denying there was a battle going on around me and not picking up my God-given armor to war.

Even after reading this quote this week, there was a wardrobe choice that could have been better chosen. Nothing blatant or grotesque, but just a longer top over some leggings.  The current style requires more and more of a crop top with all the high-waisted madness.  I do have a heart for fashion, but I have certainly learned how to maintain cute without compromise.  This day, however, I knew the top wasn't quite as long as modesty would want, but I planned to wear a jacket later anyway. Let's not be deceived though, I felt cute in the latest trend.  I left my house and I did eventually get that jacket on, but not without some time indulging in some flesh.  The war wages on.

I knew the conviction...I only obeyed it partially and I felt the connection to my Lord in that moment only partially; not on His part, but mine.  Repentance came and alongside it another conviction - confession among you.  Maybe the knowledge that my temptation and battle towards shadows of my former way are still alive will encourage you to not forget the battlefield you find yourself amongst...you have all the weapons you need, friend, if only you will pick them up even if your enemy doesn't look that bad.