As Paladins, it’s our duty to seek righteousness. We push ourselves to be more like our Savior, and we hold ourselves to that standard. But sometimes, we fall. As much as we would love to be perfect, we simply are not.
And we can’t be. It’s not possible for sinful man to be perfect, and all it takes is one sin to separate us from God. I discussed some of that on the “Welcome!” page and in my last post.
So, what do we do when that happens? What do we do when we fall?
We repent. We pick ourselves up and keep going. We fight on. We never give up.
Anyone who really knows me knows that I am a metalhead. When I am facing temptation—or have fallen in the face of it—there are a few songs that I really like to listen to. They help me through each phase of temptation: the intellectual struggle within (“Whom will I serve?”), the battle itself (fighting against the thoughts that are leading me astray), and dealing with failure (when I succumb to my sinful desires).
“Jekyll and Hyde” by Petra
This one is all about the internal struggle that a Christian goes through in daily life. It explicitly highlights the tug-of-war between the flesh and the Spirit. Our sinful nature desires sin, but the Spirit of God wars against it. The song reminds me that I have to choose whom I will serve. It’s up to each of us to decide.
“Laying the Demon to Rest” by Theocracy
This song is similar to the first in that it illustrates the battle we go through when we desire to sin but know that we have to stand against it and fight. At times, we stand determined and call on God to fight for us—to help us weather the storm. But sometimes, our own desires get in the way, and we fall.
“Stalemate” by Project 86
I really love this song. It’s about how far I can fall—and how, no matter how badly I mess up, the enemy can never take me out of God’s hands. At worst, it will be a stalemate. Knowing that should empower us. The enemy can only do so much.
The three songs above really lift me up and recharge me. I don’t listen to them only in times of trial. Sometimes, I listen to them simply to get that boost—to fire me up.
I hope this was helpful to someone. If the style of music I have listed here is not your thing, find a song that works for you—something that spurs you on.
Stand strong, my fellow Paladins!