Antagonist

12/4/2020

Revelation 2:7 “To him that overcometh…”

Antagonism (n) – a. opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or                                       principle.

                             b. actively expressed opposition or hostility                                                                            (Merriam-Webster)

 Right now in our world, and especially our country, antagonism is alive and well, wreaking havoc everywhere. We have a microscopic antagonist that is dictating how we go about our everyday lives. It is, for the most part, holding us captive. At this stage we are beginning to have to choose between physical health and safety or mental health and safety. It is a no-win situation. Chambers, of course, has some wise words to share. He writes, “Health is the balance between physical life and external nature, and it is maintained only by sufficient vitality on the inside against the things on the outside.” I look at this vitality on the inside as being aligned with the Holy Spirit. The result is a peaceful mind. We cannot always choose what happens with our physical bodies, although we can seek God in both of these areas. If we are truly asking God what our behavior should be during this time, and if that behavior loves and respects others by showing them the love we find in Him, then we will overcome this terrible destroyer. 

 Another area of antagonism is in our current political arena. Mistrust, vitriol, and judgement reign supreme, threatening our “One Nation, Under God” motto and our very way of life. Again, I know the only answer to conquer this antagonist is exactly the same as overcoming the virus, and that is submission and devotion to Jesus Christ. If God’s people started genuinely loving others out loud, not being judgmental, and seeking the power of the Holy Spirit while speaking the truth of the Gospel, this destroyer will also be vanquished. We MUST seek God first, not only during this difficult and unprecedented time, but always; for God has overcome the world.

 Revelation 2:7 “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (NIV)