Fight of Our Lives

Boxing is a sporting event that pits pugilists of the same weight class. The aim of the protagonists is to knock the other out, if not win points based on effective body shots on the opponent. In the predominantly Catholic nation of the Philippines, boxing is the second most popular sports next to basketball. While Philippine basketball continues to entertain a wider audience, it has failed to make a mark in the world and even in Asia. On the other hand, boxing has become a source of pride as Filipino boxers have become world champions (21 in all) from the time of Pancho Villa to the current toast - Manny Pacquiao.

For a long time, the shoeshine boy from Bogo, Cebu, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde was the poster boy of Philippine boxing until Manny Pacquiao conquered the finest Mexican world champions with his speed and unorthodox style. The victory over lone US Barcelona Olympic boxing gold medallist and 10-time world champion Oscar de La Hoya has put Pacquiao among the greatest boxers of all time. He defied the odds by leaping into a higher weight class and challenging his idol. It was David fighting Goliath.

The taller and more experienced boxer was outclassed and gassed out– quitting before the ninth round could begin.  De La Hoya, with a battered face, got up from his stool walked to the center of the ring and congratulated Pacquiao who told him: “You’re still my idol.” The vanquished warrior responded: “No, you’re my idol.” The two fistic gladiators proved to be real gentlemen, true sportsmen.

Christians are like boxers inside the ring. God places us in this world for the fight of our lives. He provides us rules to ensure that we conduct ourselves with dignity and integrity. Who are our opponents? First is ourselves for we can be our own enemy. If we are weak in spirit and do not have faith in ourselves and in our God, we can easily be knocked down. Second is Satan who attacks us relentlessly with his powerful blows of temptation. He defies the rules set down and is bent on winning at all cost.  He seeks our souls as prize. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”  (1 Peter 5:8)

But Satan is no match to us. While Pacquiao has the talented Freddie Roach as coach, we have the all-powerful Holy Spirit who guides and protects us from the jabs of the devil.  The Holy Spirit shieldsus from whatever punches and hooks thrown our way. In truth it is a mismatch of the highest degree. Against hate, we give love. Against greed, we share in charity. Against pride, we humble ourselves. Against lies, we reveal Truth.  The devil will be defeated.  “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

Our God gives us the strength, the confidence and the courage to knock Satan out of our lives.  We are meant to be God’s champions here on earth. We are meant to be given a prize worth more than US$11 million (the amount Pacquiao earned), more than fame and prestige, and more than what the world can offer: life everlasting in His Heavenly Kingdom. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. “ (Galatians 6:8)

by Mel Libre