Spiritual Intelligence: Covenant Keepers

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Good morning friends. With this text in mind from Jude’s letter, let’s consider the following words; contend and earnestly. In this context, to contend means to struggle in rivalry, battle etc., for something of value. Earnestly is from the root word earnest, meaning to show deep sincerity or seriousness. So we can clearly see from his choice of words – that Jude means business.

In the words of one of the greatest thinkers of our time, Philip Rieff,

Religious man was born to be saved; psychological man is born to be pleased.

When we consider Jude’s thought closely, we realise that without help from heaven, friends we are fighting a lost war. Hence The Rabbi’s instruction to His very eager disciples when He appeared to them after His resurrection;

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.

Any seasoned strategist understands the need to assess an enemy’s capability before embarking on a campaign. God, the master strategist, in His infinite wisdom, left us with His Spirit (The Holy Spirit) after Jesus left planet earth. The Holy Spirit embodies all the arsenals that we need to contend earnestly. He is available to lead and guide us through all truth. He’s also our helper and comforter when the battles of life becomes intense.

So don’t run on empty, or just turn up for top-ups. Rather, be filled with the Holy Spirit!

Let us pray… Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit. We receive your fullness to contend earnestly and prevail. We receive your promise today, for a healthy and victorious life – amen!

~ Sabali