Tag Archives: fighting a losing battle

Attitude is Everything

As a child, I remember hearing teachers address specific individuals during class, taking time outside of their scheduled lesson plan.  In the form of an exhortation or rebuke, growing concerns were verbalized.  Subsequently, whenever a student was out of line, the adult in the room proclaimed, “my child you need an attitude adjustment.”

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, Philippians 2:14.

Today, attitudes are displayed through one’s feelings, postures and stances taken.  If you listen to someone’s comments, its easy to ascertain the good attitudes from the bad ones.  Unfortunately, the Me first movement in this age is poisoning souls.  Thus, the selfish will whisper under their breath, “I’ll show them,” turning to revenge over repentance.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things, Philippians 4:8.

As a lack of responsibility is passed down from this current generation to the next, excuses override the truth.  Instead of receiving a harsh talking to or a spanking, parents often ruin life’s teachable moments blaming the critic rather than their child.  It’s no wonder that coaches and teachers are fighting a losing battle.  Attitude is everything, but if maturity isn’t taught to young people, parents will continue to justify and rationalize wrong behavior.

by Jay Mankus

Held Captive by Sin

One of the most dangerous jellyfish is known as a Portuguese man-of-war.  Although only twelve inches long and five inches wide, tentacles can extend to up to thirty feet.  Contact with any of these strands will inflict poison and pain to those who get pushed into its path by ocean currents.   Since a synonym for captive is prisoner of war, anyone who wanders out into unknown waters is at risk to becoming captive to sin.

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed, James 1:14.

One popular idiom refers to curiosity killing the cat.  This old saying suggests that following human nature can place you into harmful situations.  Experimenting, flirting or indulging in sin can have lasting effects.  While individuals may think, I can handle this or that, lust can intensify resulting in addiction, bad habits or poor choices.  A weak spirit just might cause you to become captured by sin.

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death, James 4:15.

In this high tech high touch culture, temptation is only a click away.  Cell phone, computers and electronic devices provide unlimited access to the misguided.  The byproduct of this oppression to sin has breed war zones in some communities.  Meanwhile, others hide their problems until the next explosive story exposes and uncovers secret sins.  For anyone still fighting a losing battle, may God show you the way out of your dire situation, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

by Jay Mankus

 

Take My Hand

As a youngster, I recall wrestling with other kids from my neighborhood in Delaware.  These matches continued until someone said uncle, often resulting in complaining, cursing or cries for help afterward.  The losers remained on the ground for several minutes, needing a hand to get back on their feet.

Today, Christians across America are fighting a similar battle with sin.  Unfortunately, instead of finding a helping hand, their friend has joined them, caught in the grasp of  addictive habits.  These spiritual headlocks are leaving believers choking, wheezing and nearly unconscious.  Knocked to the mat, taken down and pinned by their sinful nature, Galatians 5:17, lost and weary souls are running out of time.

Jesus steps in as the chief official of this match in Matthew 11:28-30.  Calling time up, Jesus lends his hands to the fallen.  With a promise of rest, Jesus isn’t forcing anyone to get up.  Yet, this offer is an open invitation, “if you are willing, take my hand?”

To be continued…

by Jay Mankus