WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INTERNECINE - 02/27/19 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

I imagine MMA fighters Tyler Bryan and Shaun Parker both thought they would emerge victorious from their professional debut at the Legends of Fighting event in Indianapolis in 2017. I'm certain they did not envision becoming one of few examples of fighters who simultaneously knock each other out, but that's exactly what happened. They dressed the same, shaved their heads the same and threw the same right hook...I know, unbelievable! It was an INTERNECINE fight - meaning destructive to both sides in a conflict. The word comes from the Latin internecinus fought to the death, or mutually destructive. Prior to the 20th century this word was  associated with wars, most famously in America the Civil War where tragic losses came on both sides. Then internecine came to also refer to political battles, corporate discord, and inter-personal struggles.       In a contest of wills, sometimes everyone emerges defeated. You can also win and lose at the same time - a very valuable lesson. For the Christian, the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5 discusses the warring that goes on between our spirits and our carnal natures. He admonishes us to be led by and walk in the Spirit, so that we will not fulfill our sinful desires (vs. 16-18):   19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.      Which side we choose to indulge has ramifications not only to us, but to others. Paul warns if we use our freedom to indulge our flesh we will violate the command to "Love your neighbor as yourself." (13-14) To satisfy our lower nature, we may find ourselves in an INTERNECINE combat that will end with detrimental consequences for all involved. "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." (15) We don't often reflect on the fact that our words, actions, or inaction have the power to tear down, damage, ruin, or put an end to someone - (their trust, reputation, career, etc). This is a sobering reality. The MMA fight's INTERNECINE clash led to a no contest decision - which means - nobody won. Where do your conflicts lead?

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