The Catholic Defender: To Understand the War From Within

Battles rage constantly all over the world, proof of this is brought right into our living room each night when we turn on the television.

There is also a private war taking place. Jesus responded to a question posed saying, "Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."

There is an interesting perspective Jesus presents that few have observed. John the Virginian have taken notice of this recognizing an important connection between your heart, your soul, your mind, and your strength. Every person has four major parts that all need to be healthy for every person.

Jesus first mentions the heart. The heart speaks to the Emotional Wellness. A healthy heart builds awareness of one's feelings concerning acceptance of who they are in Christ. Our Faith experience needs a healthy heart that impels a person to a deeper union with God and the Church.

Jesus next mentions the soul that speaks to Spiritual Wellness. A healthy soul is a part of a person that recognizes the sacrifice required to sacrifice for others. Most of all, the soul drives a person to desire a closer relationship with God. To follow the Commandments builds religious faith inspiring to be role modals.

Jesus next mentions the mind that speaks to Social Wellness. A healthy mind presents a person that recognizes their impact on their communities and society. The healthy mind responds to stimulus build on an informed conscience including thinking and feeling.

Jesus lastly mentions strength that speaks to Physical Wellness. Strength reflects personal values which builds the sense of right and wrong and the mindset to to do what is right. Strength providing responsibility to be strong on conviction and physical activity that is good for the body.

Jesus is fully aware of the need for a person to to be healthy in the whole body. He is the healer that makes us whole.

This is a battle of conscience. With too much freedom, temptation becomes a strong weapon against yourself.

Look at all the addictions out there; drugs, alcohol, pornography, power, cigarettes, gambling, sex, food, just about anything you can imagine.

For some of these problems, moderation seems to be the answer. The Scriptures teach us to focus on the Lord and his righteousness and he will free you from addictions.

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test. I hope you will discover that we have not failed. But we pray to God that you may not do evil, not that we may appear to have passed the test but that you may do what is right, even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong. What we pray for is your improvement" (2Corinthians 13:5-9).

These sins can cause a person to loose their immortal soul. We must recognize that it is a battle many face from within. This is why it is important to be nourished by the truth of God. That the Scriptures be forever in our hearts.

The Ten Commandments is a great opportunity to make a good examination of conscience. What are the issues that is holding me back from growing in the faith? What can I do to help me improve my relationship with Christ?

We all must endure our struggles which includes the most difficult battles. Those that come from within. If it is sinful, the best situation is to avoid the near occasion of sin. Avoid the temptation.

1 Timothy 4:7-9 states, "Avoid profane and silly myths. Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future".

Just as an athlete trains for competition, we are called to discipline ourselves with devotion. Bible reading is great, if you can get a good Catholic study that is preferred. The Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, the Divine Mercy are some excellent devotions. In the Catholic Faith there are many.

The battle belongs to the Lord, now is a most excellent time to give him your reins. May God give you all much joy as we are Easter people who are healed by the risen Christ.

St. Paul states, "I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers, as I hear of the love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the holy ones, so that your partnership in the faith may become effective in recognizing every good there is in us that leads to Christ" (Philemon 4-6).