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They Gang Up, Don't They


             Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things—those in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Great Sea as far as Lebanon (the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites)— they came together to make war against Joshua and Israel.  (Joshua 9:1-2)

          Have you been there? You're struggling against one sin or weakness and it's like all the rest gang up on you. Impatience is a great example. You set your mind to be patient when you go to the grocery store, and everyone slows down. Your kids throw a temper tantrum in the aisle, you drop a glass jar of spaghetti sauce (messy) or pickles (stinky), they're out of your favorite brand, someone compliments your outfit, hair or shoes, someone else cuts you off and you feel aisle-rage building and when you get in line and think you're safe - all you need now is to maintain that patience- and you notice all the tabloids. Oh? What's that juicy bit of gossip about your favorite celebrity? 
       Have you noticed how many of those could be summed up as tempting you to impatience, or to hate, or to anger, or conflict, or unkindness, or aggression, or pride? This is why fighting sin takes everything, because each sin either weakens multiple virtues if it defeats you, or strengthens multiple virtues if you defeat it.
           That seems like a good reason to pray daily for wisdom, direction and attitude, or wisdom and the strength to obey, or (as I pray for others as I walk) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It's also a good reason to review the armor of God: truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18).

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