David Yarbrough
Colossians 2:8 (NLT)
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.
The sheer amount and volume of godless propaganda you face in this world can at times seem like a massive, rushing river, its waters surging powerfully downstream. Every single drop in this stream represents a worldly life principle—the norms of culture that people consider to be typical—and they are all flowing down this river in the current of convenience and conformity.
In seeking first the Kingdom of God, you will find yourself paddling upstream against the current of this world and its principles. Sometimes it will feel like you are paddling at a million miles per hour and getting nowhere. Eventually, you will find this to be an impossible task. But be encouraged, for the Holy Spirit dwells within you and will supply you with the grace and strength to do what you could never do on your own.
The temptation to go with the flow of this world can be like a chameleon, which is constantly adapting and changing to deceive you by camouflaging the truth of the goodness of God and your identity and position in Christ. Satan is clever at using the world and the flesh to come at you in subtle ways that seem so beneficial to you in the moment. Many times, the temptation is to simply relax from your spiritual disciplines and go with the flow without considering where the drift might end.
You must keep in mind, dear reader, that your battle against temptation is not one to be fought in solitude. You have the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to propel you with supernatural grit, determination, and strength to go against the current of this world. You also have the Word of God to guide and direct you, like buoys marking the way as you navigate through the currents of this world. And also, you have the fellowship of believers, a faithful crew, that is with you, praying, encouraging, and supporting you when you grow weak and stall out.
At times, it will seem like the current of this world is relentless and overwhelming, but take heart! It is not your power or your ability that will propel you to your Kingdom purpose; it is the power of God working in and through you. Although the world, the flesh, and the devil may seem to have the market cornered on prosperity and ease, we have something far more fulfilling, and that is our position and identity in Christ (Eph. 2:6) and the promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
This day may bring new challenges, new battles, and strange currents to swim against. But every sunrise also brings new mercies (Lam. 3:23), renewed strength (Is. 40:31), and the reassurance that in Christ Jesus we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). So, dear reader, be strengthened, keep paddling, and stay focused on the Kingdom. With every stroke that you make against the current of this world, you're declaring the faithfulness and power of God and the life transforming reality of the Kingdom in and through you.
So next time you feel exhausted and overwhelmed and feel the urge to give into the currents of this world, remember this: God is for you (Rom. 8:31); He is with you (Ps. 73:28); His grace is sufficient; and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). So press on (Phil. 3:12); live with courage and faith that God is good (1 Pt. 2:9), He is with you, and Jesus is victorious!
1 Corinthians 15:57 (CSB)
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!