An Enduring Malice
Week Five | The Purgative Way
It would be a mistake to believe that the only thing God uses to shape men and women into His likeness is their efforts integrated with His grace.
How we arrange our lives around Jesus, how we train, how we carry our cross matters; yet it is not the only way we learn to love like God loves. He uses every means necessary to shape us — even the spiritual barrages of a proud and envious angel.
As we continue our journey through the Purgative Way, a new kind of warfare surfaces in our lives — one that we had the pleasure of ignoring before our entrance into this higher kind of life.
This confrontation is born out of an enduring malice, one that has persisted over the great stretches of time — and even beyond it. When we begin the crucified life (mortification), we send out a signal somewhere in the universe.
As John Climacus told us, “The devil goes to battle with those in obedience.”
Room to Reflect
Have I noticed new spiritual struggles or attacks as I’ve taken steps toward deeper obedience? How have I responded?
When have I experienced God's presence most clearly in the midst of temptation?
How can I remain faithful when I stumble in temptation?