We Have Seen the Enemy

 "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever."

1 John 2:15-17

 

Cartoonist Walt Kelly (1913-1973) was famous for his comic strip about a clever possum named Pogo. In 1970 Kelly created a poster for the first Earth Day celebration. The poster showed Pogo with a burlap bag and stick to pick up trash all over the Okefenokee Swamp where he lives. The now-famous quote from Pogo on the poster read, "WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY AND HE IS US."

            I believe we can agree that there are more areas of life in which we are our enemies than just making a mess. We are experts at blaming our shortfalls on other people or circumstances. No matter our problem, we have a good excuse for why it happened. But as the wise old statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) said, "He who is good at making excuses is good at very little else."

            In our opening Scripture, John speaks to us about the sin in our lives. It is our responsibility, and we are the ones who hold on to it. "Oh no!" you may say. "He said it is the world that is drawing us away. I am not strong enough to fight against the world." Let's focus on verse 16. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world."

            It is our flesh and our eyes that lust for the things in the world. And it is our pride of life that believes we deserve, and we do think we deserve what we lust after. This lust can be sexual; money, power, material things, additions of all kinds, anything that pulls us away from God and His work in our lives.

            The first step to victory over sin, any sin, in our lives and a life committed to following God is to abandon the excuses and take responsibility. We don't even have to want to give up the things we lust for entirely. God knows our hearts; it is not like we are fooling Him. We only have to desire to follow Him and allow Him to do the work needed in us to live a life surrendered to Him. He can and will do the rest.

            As we fight the war against the flesh, always remember our friend Pogo. "We have met the enemy, and he is us." No excuses, no trying to fool yourself or God. Be responsible and clean the mess. You have the power that created the universe behind you. You will not fail.

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website: www.growthcenter.net.    © 2022 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the author's written permission.