Is it up to Christ to deal with these attacks on his righteousness, or is it up to the remnant, those that are left and remain loyal to Christ? It’s up to us whether or not we are willing to believe that we do not move by our own power and authority, but it is in Christ that we live and move and become whoever God desires for us to become. Ask yourself, “Can I truly say that I have Christ in me, ‘The-Hope-Of-Glory’? There’s a sweeping delusion coming from an evil spirit that sponsors “wrong-is-right” and “right-is-wrong.” The impact of this delusion can be seen and felt, giving indication that uprightness and integrity are under attack, all around the world. Perhaps it’s time for the disciples, ambassadors and born-again believers in the body of Christ to make some further inquiries and to allow the Spirit of truth to guide us in righteousness and help us to see and to accept God’s reality. Ask right now. “Father, to whom and from where do you want me to represent Christ? Lord, what would you have me to say and do?”
God desires to vouch for our uprightness and integrity just as he did for Job, which he did on more than one occasion. God told Ezekiel to have a talk with certain Jews that had once feared God and were very blessed because of it. But they became distracted and began seeking the benefits of idols. They willingly chose to turn away from their God to sin and trespasses. Ezekiel reminded them that God blesses obedience but not disobedience. And if their rebellion continued, it could cause a famine to cover the land. That would be unfortunate for the wicked but not for the just. If Noah, Daniel and Job were living in that land with the wicked, only those three just men would be able to save themselves and that’s only because of their righteousness in God.
The Lord has not changed his mind in our time. God still places a separation between the holy and the profane and between righteousness and unrighteousness. James cited some of the righteous acts of Job. He also said that we will be counted joyful and happy if during the perilous times that we face, we will purpose in our hearts to endure them. The Lord expects us to take a righteous stand now as Job did in his time of testing. In order for us to have a similar outcome as Job had, we must value the spiritual fruit of long- suffering, patience, and endurance. First, we need to ask God for wisdom, from a pure heart and with the right motivation. Then examine our selves, reflecting on the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts. “Are they acceptable to God?” “Am I willing to place my trust in God and not in my own understanding,” and “Am I willing to count it all joy when I am met with trials, tribulations and stiff challenges from the enemy?” We need to declare and decree that God is not a liar.
Let patience cause you to experience the growth, maturity and strength that the devil is hoping you will reject. Satan knows that if you can endure hardness like a good soldier, then you will lack nothing. This is one way that God equips us spiritually, by helping us to persist and persevere even when quitting seems to be a more comfortable and convenient option. Briefly consider this natural example. If you were an athlete in training, you would expect to submit to conditioning and discipline. Your aim would be to make yourself fit for victory over your opponent. Well, the spiritual benefits that cause godliness to increase in us far outweigh the natural. Secondly, we must be grateful for all of the loving kindness and tender mercy that we have seen God extend in our lives and the lives of others. Don’t focus on being a victim of circumstances: physically, mentally or emotionally. Focus on being a victor, one who strives–not to be overcome with evil but to overcome evil with good. Defy lying circumstances. Remember, God had the double portion waiting for Job and he is able to do exceeding abundantly and above all that we can think about or ask for. Ask yourself, “Is the power of Christ’s upright spirit working in me mightily…despite the odds that seemingly are against me?”
In conclusion, we must be able to proclaim as Apostle Paul did to the Galatian church: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” If we can say this with conviction, we can say, ” CHRIST IS WINNING!!!” Godspeed to all whom God can vouch for in uprightness and integrity.
Scripture References:
Acts 17:28 Colossians 1:27 Ezekiel 14:14, 20 James 1:2-3; 5:11 Proverbs 3:5-6 Job 1:8; 42:12 Ephesians 3:20
Romans 12:21 II Timothy 2:3 Psalm 19:14 Numbers 23:19 I Timothy 4:7
