Might

"You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts"  C.S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters, CH 11

"It's the little things in life that matter";  "The devil is in the details";  "A mighty flame starts with a small spark"; "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth"!  We've heard these phrases, or something like it.  And they all have something in common.  Small things matter, can become big things, that very well may become out of control.  This is the key element in C.S. Lewis works called The Screwtape Letters".  But God has a very powerful tool we can use to snuff out this spark before it becomes an out of control fire called Might!

The Importance of Might:

We, as Christian believers, many times have  misconceptions of what the Word of God is trying to convey.  As an example, we've been taught that once we are saved, all our troubles are behind us spiritually.  That is so laughable.This couldn't be further from the truth.  In fact, Jesus himself suggested that his way of life would be a fight  (Mat 10:34).  Paul also stated in no uncertain terms that the Christian life would be a battle (Ephesians 6:12).  But, we can be assured that we fight with power and might.

What we need to remember is that there is no rest from attacks of the evil in this world.  We cannot be "comfortable" with our Christianity.  Peter writes

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  1Peter 5:8

This is not to suggest that Satan's attacks will be immense acts, but the little things on a daily basis as is suggested by C.S. Lewis above.  In the Screwtape Letters, Lewis suggests that Satan isn't looking for the spiritually dead.  They already belong to him.  Nor is he actively looking for the very devout, as they are not a soft target, but he is looking for the lukewarm Christians.  Those who may go to church, on Sunday, but live a different life Monday through Saturday.  He is looking for the easy targets.  These are the ones that he can use to keep the lost from being saved with the least amount of work.

It is here that souls are lost or won, where the witness of a lifestyle, a person of character that is noticed by others.  Our testimony doesn't start with a knock on a door, or a tract handed to a stranger.  It starts with our conduct in every day living.  What kind of message do we send to others as they come into contact with us.  Do we show them respect, treat them with dignity, and a non-judgmental attitude?  These are ways we can  witness to others!  Have you ever been asked where you go to church?  Why would they ask that unless they saw something different in you.  Or, when they see you, do they think they need to place you on their prayer list?

The whole point of the comments above is to help us recognize that we need to be on guard every day for  the evil that tries to get us to screw up spiritually.  Might can fight these things.  Paul writes,

"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love" Ephesians 3:16-17

The characteristic of the Holy Spirit called might (Strong's G1411, dynamis) is synonymous with words like power, strength, mighty works, miracle and virtue in many verses in the Bible.  It depicts the power from which miracles are possible.  As when the sick woman that touched the hem of the garment of Christ and he said virtue had left him, it was that power of might from God that healed her from her infirmity (Mark 5:30). 

The Practical Application of Might:

M y friends it can't be overstated that the way we live will determine in some folks as to whether this Christian stuff is worth it.  We must be mindful of what we do, what we say, how we act or react in all circumstances in life.  Just accepting Christ as our personal Savior isn't enough for a Christian.  Yes, God will honor that decision on the day of judgement, but we can't act as fools when we've been given the keys of Heaven.  Our responsibility as a son or daughter of God is to be "godly" people.  In general, we act like spoiled rotten children, running around and demanding what we want, what we deserve.  If you are a son of the most High, start acting like it!  Other spiritual lives may depend on it.

Might also makes it possible to have that extra oomph to fight those thoughts that come in that are not of God, that are the precursors to sin, and trip us up (Matthew 6:13).   Might also gives us a backbone to fight those thoughts, to engage those thoughts with the shield of faith, and sword of truth (Ephesians 6:16).  Might will fight evil spirits connected with laziness, sexual degradation, and a nonchalant attitude with learning and using the word of God (Ephesians 3:20).  Might gives the believer the opportunity to witness the power of God up close and personal.  Paul writes to the Romans...

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  (Rom 1:20)

I find it interesting that Paul describes the Holy Spirit characteristic of might that has a peaceful feel to it in contrast to Peter's description to Satan that roams around seeking those to "devour".  This can be attributed to the fact that there is none that are mightier than our God (Psalm 45)!  That we can rest in His peace knowing that none can snatch us from His grasp (Romans 8:38).  The more mature we become, the stronger we become.  This is why Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10 to..."be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" by putting on that armour of God we've learned about.

Our mission this week is to seek out those moments that God works in a mighty way.  He wants us to know that He is with us.  He wants us to believe in Him, love and serve Him without reservation.  We show His power and might every time we  practice our faith and every time we get to lead someone to Christ.  Look for those opportunities, whether online, in our neighborhood, or at the ballgame.  God will give us opportunities to share Him with someone this week.  Will you be brave enough to say what needs to be said?  Will you show someone through your actions, no matter the situation, that God is alive and well in your life?  Be a witness either by action or words this week.  This is our mission.  May God show you His might through His gracious love for you.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.  2Corinthians 12:9,10 

Here's a few verses to consider for your personal quiet time this week.

2 Peter 1:3                      Romans 15:13
2 Corinthians 13:4          Ephesians 1:19-21
Colossians 1:10-13         1 Thessalonians 1:5

2 Thessalonians 1:11      2 Timothy 1:8