The Tug-of-War ✍️

Life is, at its core, a series of choices. From the moment we begin our day, decisions confront us: whether to rise when the alarm sounds or linger a little longer in bed; whether to meet the day with energy or laziness, gratitude to God or quiet ingratitude. In everything we do, we choose whether to give our best or simply repeat what is familiar and comfortable.

As a wife, I face these choices too: to surrender in love to my husband or to insist on having things my own way. And so unfolds a long list of decisions: some wise, some regrettable, that form the course of each day. Truly, life is an unending rhythm of choosing, deciding, and becoming, from the moment we rise until the final blink of our eyes each night.

But are we aware of the kind of game we enter each time we make a choice? Yes, you guessed it right: a tug of war. Whether we realize it or not, we are all participants in this struggle, not outwardly, but spiritually. Each time we are faced with choosing between living by the Spirit or giving in to the flesh, an inner battle takes place.

Our Spirit and our desires are in constant conflict, opposing one another. As Scripture reminds us, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh… so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:17).

And speaking of the spirit, there is a sobering reality: beyond the physical realm, beyond what our eyes can see, this tug-of-war continues. A spiritual struggle is constantly unfolding. In this tug-of-war, Jesus stands on one end of the rope, while Satan, our adversary, stands on the other. We, humans, stand in between, and it is our souls that are being sought.

Each time we choose what is right, Jesus prevails, and we are drawn closer to Him. But when we repeatedly choose what is wrong or evil, we grieve His heart and allow Satan to gain ground in the struggle.

You might say, “Mahal ako ng Diyos, at hindi Niya hahayaang matalo ako sa laban o mapunta sa kaaway.” Yes, you are right. God’s love is sure, and His protection is faithful. But we are also called to respond to that love. We must show Jesus that we reject the devil, such as his lies, his schemes, and every dark or destructive trait that tries to take root within us.

We do this by declaring, through our choices and our lives, that we belong to Christ, that we stand on His side and abide in Him. When we choose to remain in Jesus, He will not allow the evil one to claim us, for we are kept by the One who has already won the victory.

In each day we are given, let us strive to gratify the Spirit rather than the flesh, so that the enemy may not gain strength or foothold over us in the end.

Let us be mindful of our choices and intentionally seek to make godly decisions, even in the smallest matters, for unwise choices carry long-term consequences that can echo into eternity.

Today, pause and examine the choices you make, even the small ones that we often overlook, and  how choosing wisely in those moments can reflect your commitment to Christ.

Heavenly Father🙏 

Thank You for reminding us that every day is filled with choices that mold our hearts and our eternity. Teach us to listen to Your Spirit and to desire what pleases You more than what satisfies the flesh. Give us wisdom, even in the smallest decisions, and strengthen us to choose what is right when the struggle feels heavy.

Guard our hearts from the enemy's lies and help us remain firmly rooted in Christ. May our lives declare that we belong to You alone. As we abide in You, draw us closer each day and lead us in paths that honor You, now and forever.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.