Shows featuring Hollywood celebrities engaging in athletic competitions were on television years ago. We enjoyed watching our favorite stars participating in events that they were never trained to do. Some celebrities were hyper competitive and took the games seriously, while others just had fun and enjoyed the interaction. The final event was often a winner-take-all tug of war. Two teams would pull against each other. Usually the team with the best anchor person would win. The anchor would dig in and was immovable. Eventually the other team would tire out and were easily pulled across the line.
Life can be like a tug of war. We want to do what is right, but get pulled in another direction. We used to picture the devil on one shoulder luring us to do evil and an angel on our other shoulder encouraging us to be strong and do the right thing.
We don’t use this imagery often nowadays but the reality of this tug of war still stands. A constant battle between good and evil exists and influences us to one side or the other. James 4:7-8 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
It’s time to choose sides. This time team captains do not do the choosing, you do. Will you choose to believe the lies of Satan? Or will you resist his lies and draw near to God? If so, then trust God to cleanse and purify you. Submit to His love and salvation. It is an eternal choice well worth taking. God will be the anchor for your soul.
Reluctant Retiree 