In April of 1942, America was being stretched to its limit as she strove to turn back enemies on two fronts. Simultaneous campaigns in Europe and the Pacific tested the will and resources of our nation. President Roosevelt showed his understanding of the toll of war in all its dimensions when he said, “One front, where everyone in the United States is in action – every man, woman, and child. That front is right here at home, in our daily lives.” Yes, the war had its domestic impact and no one was immune. It was a war on three fronts.
Paul appears to be waging a war on many fronts during the time of his writing to the Corinthians. He wages a spiritual war as he presses the gospel of Christ into uncharted territory. He was assigned a mission field by God, and as he found success in one city, his vision was to expand that faith-base into the surrounding regions. This was a war against prevailing theologies, philosophies and superstitions; “arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.”
A battle raged on in the mind of Paul. Each of his thoughts would have to be captured, like a thousand insurgents turned POWs, and made to surrender to Jesus. Thankfully, he had an arsenal of divine origin and power.
Then there was the most unfortunate war of all – the combat with his own brethren. The third front. The war at home. Accused of being a coward, Paul was labeled as ‘bold’ when away, but ‘timid’ face-to-face. “His letters pack a wallop, but he is impotent in person.” Paul denies the accusation. There is no cowardice, and there is no inappropriate boldness. When he boasts, he boasts in the Lord. And in spite of all the judgment from his myopic brothers, he knows that all that matters is the commendation of Christ.
Devoted Christian, church leader, do you tire of waging war on multiple fronts? When running against the grain of the world system, do you wish that you had better encouragement from fellow believers? When trying to cope with the “eastern and western theatres,” do you wish your thoughts wouldn’t lead you astray? This is why it’s so important that we be in association. We must have comrades in arms. We must have someone to help bandage our wounds; someone to lean on, so that even when we are weary we may move forward. We must have someone to remind us that our weapons are forged and honed in heaven; that we ourselves are tools of triumph wielded by the Everlasting Arm.
Pray: God, my Rock, my Fortress, Defender and Shield , give me peace amidst the battle. I am weary of warring. I encounter resistance at every turn; even in my own mind and heart. Make me a soldier of the cross, earning Your commendation through unrelenting obedience.
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