Day 9 – The Good Fight

(1 Timothy 6:11-16)

Engage in the good fight

Fighting is something we generally do not see as positive, and many will avoid any form of fight in their lives. We may have to fight for our family, relationships, health, jobs, or our faith.

However, the Christian faith is not against the concept of a fight, but it advocates that Christians should only engage in a good fight. Understanding what qualifies for a good fight is therefore vital.

The idea of a good fight suggests that there are some kinds of fights Christians should not give their time and energy to.

Authentic service

In this section of Paul’s letter to Timothy, he denounced the false teachers who preach that godliness is a means of gain. It condemns those who teach that God will give us material health and wealth if only we have enough faith.

Paul rather insisted that authentic service is not motivated by greed or personal glory, but by the reality of eternity and the consciousness of one’s personal accountability to God. Paul warned Timothy of the dangers of fighting for material gain and losing our eternal perspectives.

He charged him to fight the good fight of faith.

Hold tightly to eternal life

The only good fight for Christians is the fight of faith. The good fight involves actively keeping away from sin and being intentional in the pursuit of righteousness. It requires us to remain faithful to God and the gospel message despite opposition.

To fight means being intentional and uncompromising in standing for and defending the faith and rejecting the pull to live for material gain and personal gratifications. But we must also hold tightly to eternal life while fighting for the faith by refusing the things that bind us to momentary living and pursuing the things that are lasting.

Making a choice

Fighting the good fight is a choice and a daily activity for the believer. Your expenditure of energy and investment of time indicates what you are fighting for. The choices you make daily shows whether you are living for earthly gratification or heavenly reward.

The things you permit or shun reveals your priorities and allegiances. The truth is that whether you recognise it or not, you are living and fighting for something.

Make sure therefore that your fight is a good fight.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing“

2 Timothy 4:7-8