I recently read an article that talked about a man’s battle against an addiction. He said there was a phrase in one of the books he read that really stuck out to him. The phrase was, “Remember what you are fighting for.” He said those words became life-changing for him when temptation would arise.
He pulled out a piece of paper and created a list of things he was fighting for. He concluded his email with, “Create your own unique and individual list. Yours will look much different from mine, and that’s okay. Just make your list and put it somewhere where you’ll see it daily.”
A list in and of itself is not life-changing, but the principle he is sharing is a great starting point to lasting change. What habit, hang-up, hurt, obstacle, wound or life pattern are you trying to overcome? What is it that you are “fighting” against? I think it could bring you great strength to write down what you are fighting for.
I read this article two weeks ago and this concept has stuck with me. I have not created a list for a specific obstacle…yet. But, as I sit at my computer typing there are causes I will always be willing to fight for.
I will fight for authentic relationships and conversations. Perhaps it’s a function of getting older, but I don’t want to build relationships based primarily on general chit-chat. If we are going to spend time together let’s connect on a heart level. Let’s share our dreams, hurts, joys and fears. Let’s dive into where we are succeeding and where we need to step up and mature.
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I will fight for my wife and our marriage. A spouse is a gift from God and too often I have failed to make my wife the priority God desires her to be. Marriage seems to be persistently devalued in our country, and we are paying a high price for this.
I will fight for my spiritual growth and for yours. Growth never happens by default. It must be intentional and accountable. I write this column for my growth and for yours. When it ceases to help either of us it is time to stop.
I will fight for healthy New Testament local churches. I believe the local church is the hope of our world. A church is not a building, it is people; people who are committed to following the leadership of Jesus Christ and bringing his light and hope to others. Our world needs this.
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I will fight for my kids. There is no leadership outside of servant leadership, and our kids desperately need to see dads, moms, relatives, teachers, coaches, pastors, neighbors who are servant leaders. Sacrifice is not natural but is required if our desire is to outlive our lives.
I will fight for love, respect and dignity for all people. Every person matters. Every person has a story. We live in a world full of criticism and negativity. I will not engage in those conversations. We are either part of the problem or part of the solution.
What are you willing to “fight for”? There is great strength for the demands and challenges each day holds when we remember what we are fighting for!
