“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 KJV)
For illustration purposes, I am going to be unabashedly transparent with you. You’re ready to read on now, aren’t you., after the tease. Well, getting past the tease, let me be transparent with you.
The other night there was some infighting going on, started probably, perhaps, about a couple of hours before I realized it. I can only imagine the back-and-forth arguments. When it came to my attention; when it registered in my mind what was going on, I took the needed and right action to put an end to the infighting.
Let me get specific about the infighting. My one kidney was arguing with my bladder. The former was saying, “He does not need to be bothered. Let him sleep!” The latter was saying, “You don’t know what you are talking about! He needs to wake up!” Again, the argument probably started about 9:30 p.m. when I refused to get out of bed and go to the restroom after turning off the TV. I told you I was going to be unabashedly transparent, did I not? At about 11:00 p.m. I was awakened and pulled into the argument between these two internal friends of mine, my kidney and my bladder. I put an ending to the infighting simply by doing the right thing. I got up and went to the restroom.
I’m sure you are thinking at that this is a different kind of illustration or story to impart something that will benefit you spiritually. But read on, for there is a point to be made.
Internally at times, in the unconscious realm of our minds, there is some infighting going on regarding whether we should or should not do something or should or should not say something. However, when it comes to the forefront of our minds; when it comes to the point that the infighting reaches our consciousness state, just like in my transparent observation, we need to step in, bring about an ending to the infighting, and simply do the right thing. Ending the infighting is easy when you face the truth within you that knows what should be done. Perhaps you ask, “How do I know the truth?” My response would be to respond appropriately to the opening and closing scriptures.
Before you read the verses, first let me take it outside the realm of how our unconscious interacts with our conscious and talk about interactions with others. Yes, admit it! Infighting takes places in churches, private organizations, neighborhood associations, political parties, the elected governing bodies who are to represent the people, relationships, families, the workforce, and even between the closes friends who just want to be right all the time. The remedy to ending any type of infighting is just the same as prescribed above. Yes, respond appropriately to the opening and closing verses. If you do, truth can prevail and, with tireless praying, bring an ending to the infighting. Be blessed!
“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” (Isaiah 26:3 The Amplified Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King