Punching Bag Christians

Zach Vertz

I met up with a friend the other day who I haven’t talked to in years. We got to talking and catching each other up on where life has taken us these past few years. We talked about everything from work to sports, to girls (Jesus girls of course) to school. We were having a great time. But then I began to ask the hard questions, the kind of questions that nobody likes to be asked. But accountability is a must in the Christian’s life. Although he hesitated some and was uneasy at points he answered and confessed, honestly. After hearing his responses, I began to think to myself, why is it that so many Christians continue with the same struggle over and over for years if not their entire life.

Christ has called us to be free. If you’re a Christ follower, you have The Holy Spirit living inside you who gives you the power to be free, but so many times we choose the path of bondage instead of freedom. I chose the word; “choose” intentionally because we all have a free will. Though it may seem hard to admit, we do choose to sin. I heard a line from a Christian rap song once that has stuck with me for years, it goes, “Why are you sitting in this jail cell when the doors wide open and the locks been broken?” I love this line because it’s the Gospel. The lock has been broken and the door is wide open. All you need to do is stand up, brush yourself off and walk out from… you fill in the blank. Now remember once you’ve made that decision and walked out, Satan will be looking for an opportunity to lure you back into bondage again. Quit letting the enemy beat you up with the same struggle each and everyday. You were made for more than that. You’re redeemed! You’re free! Leave that garbage behind and walk this new life God has so graciously given you. Christ didn’t die for you to continue to be enslaved to that sin struggle. Christ died to set you free!

READ Luke 10:19, 1 John 4:4 & Galatians 5:1

Stop being a punching bag to the enemy. Accepting every thought that comes into your mind. If you are a sincere Christian then the Holy Spirit lives inside of you and through HIM (not our own will power) we have the power to fight back. Use the authority given to us by Christ to recognize Satan’s lies and resist them. God’s given us victory already. Find scriptures that pertain to your specific struggle. Exchange God’s Truth for Satan’s lies. Leave your sin at Calvary and live your life in the abundance of freedom through Christ. Creation is always subject to the Creator which means God is stronger than the enemies’ power. The God of the universe reigns inside of you. If you believe that truth, show it by relying on Christ next time you are tempted and sit back and watch Jesus put in work on your behalf.