In which shadow do you stand? In the shadow of the memories of better times, times past that gave you that warm feeling of contented resolution? Walking in the shadow of heroes who fought for justice and found their way into history not by choice of glory but by sacrifice? In the shadow of God’s Almighty Wings, shading, hiding, sequestering and protecting you from detection and malevolent assault by His enemies? Or maybe you skulked, prideful and putrefactive in the element of darkness that you call home, that shadow into which your indwelling evil spirit blends?

It is after all what we do in the shadows, the unknown, unseen time of our private lives that separate us or incline us toward relationship with Almighty God. It is what I do in the darkness that demonstrates my true spirit, the heart that only God knows, secret yet revealing at the day of justice as to which way we are headed on the journey to beyond. What then do you do when you know no one else is watching? Do you resist and cry out to God that the enemy might flee from you, the temptation overcome? Do you put on the full armor of God and make a stand to be Holy, Righteous and Pure, set apart as your God is Holy. Or is this the opportunity to take off your mask and delve into the darkest recesses of the mind pent upon completion of lust and desire? Are you even honest enough to be honest enough? Or perhaps you have grown so adept at prevarication that you may even keep yourself in the dark?

Know Yourself and seek the understanding as to your inclinations or you will never resist when faced with devilish temptation. What you practice you will perform, do not believe yourself prepared because you think it so for you will wither in the face of sirens and temptations sweet allure. That is the predicament about darkness and light.  You cannot love them both, you must choose a master and listen to just one for the other will lead you to the fleshly behaviors that cannot exist in the presence of the King. You must make a choice and then through prayer, meditation, trial and growth demonstrate a capacity to resist the enemy that he might flee in the moment of your greatest trial. That is this battle in which we find ourselves enrolled.  The same battle that took casualties the likes of King David, when he neglected obedience and failed to forgive his wife, thus predisposing himself to an inclination for strange flesh. Certainly the Lord used all things for good from that circumstance, but we are all susceptible who believe ourselves worthy and impervious. This is a battle and putting down our defenses is the greatest time of trial for vigilance is the only defense and God’s Word the only safety from potential fall. So armor up, stand up, resist, pray and stay set apart from the lascivious nature of the world and overcome until that day when we will not longer need to fight. Until that day Armor Up.  In Jesus’ Name.