Let me share a quote from Richard Sibbes. At first, it might seem abrasive. But after we think about it for a moment, I think it helps us to re-frame our thinking towards the battle we face with greater clarity.
“There are two grand sides in the world, to which all belong: there is God’s side and those that are his, and there is another side that is Satan’s, and those that are his; two kingdoms, two sides, two contrary dispositions, that pursue one another.”*
The reason we need to be cautious with a quote like this is because it can make it sound like we need to divide everyone into “us and them” categories. Throughout history, too many people have rushed to the conclusion that they and their friends were on God’s side and everyone who disagreed with them were enemies.
However, before we dismiss Sibbes too quickly, we need to know where he was coming from. There is in fact a colossal struggle between good and evil. Life and eternity hang in the balance. God is God. Satan and his workers are waging war against the people of Christ. And all of us are involved in this conflict whether we realize it or not.
Further, the idea of “sides” makes us think of something like a world war. But this too is misleading. The struggle between good and evil takes place within all nations, within all people groups, within all communities, and even within our own souls.
With this in mind, how do we advance in this epic battle? By being aligned with Christ.
Paul shares this reminder in Ephesians 6:13: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
At our church we sing a praise song called “Stronger.” It says: “It is written, Christ is risen. Jesus, you are Lord of all.” How often have we lived as if Jesus wasn’t “Lord of all,” but “Lord of some”?
Some of our thoughts.
Some of our priorities.
Some of our actions.
Some of our time.
When this happens, we are weakening our alignment with Christ in the battle that rages.
Today, let’s realign ourselves under the bold banner of a Risen Saviour. Onward for the King of grace and truth!
Notes:
-*Leland Ryken, Worldly Saints: The Puritans as They Really Were (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986), 11.
-**Written by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.
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