The Sparring Partner Within

Sometimes I am two people. Johnny is the nice one. Cash causes all the trouble. They fight. —Johnny Cash 

For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. —Romans 7:18–20 NIV 

Johnny Cash used his first and last names for the wholesome and troublesome sides of his dual nature. The apostle Paul just called his good and evil. Whatever names we use, all of us can empathize with the struggle. 

What happens to our good intentions when circumstances go bad? Why is the last thing we could ever imagine saying often the first thing out of our mouths? Why are some temptations so irresistible? Why does our troublesome nature seem to know every vulnerable spot of our wholesome nature when the two battle? 

These personal battles take up more of our time and energy than many of us would care to admit. But God sees every one of them. He knows our hearts. He knows our sincere desire to defeat the negative, destructive urges that seem to have us in their grip. He sees the obstacles that keep us from enjoying the life He intends for us. 

In His Word, He makes it clear that the most effective battle plan for winning the War of Self is (1) to equip our good nature and (2) cut the supply line to our evil nature. God is the key to the first strategy. His Holy Spirit lives inside every believer, giving our “Johnny” nature the spiritual and emotional reinforcements we need for battle. We couldn’t ask for a more powerful ally. The Spirit speaks to us through our conscience, guiding our steps and warning us when our “Cash” nature starts to rear its head. 

God invites us to pray when the battle seems inevitable. He uses the words and stories of the Bible to inspire us. He gives us confidence and assures us that victory is possible. 

As for the second strategy, we cut the supply line to our evil nature by recognizing its triggers and the things that give it strength. We identify the people, places, and circumstances that make us vulnerable to temptation and take steps to avoid them. We surround ourselves with people who root for the “Johnny” side of our nature. 

We celebrate our victories by giving God all the credit. But we don’t allow ourselves to get complacent. We remind ourselves that our “Cash” nature is constantly lurking, waiting for us to lower our guard. We stay sharp by staying close to God, His Word, and His people. 

We mark our defeats, first, by asking God’s forgiveness for our failure. We learn what we can from the battle and move on. We don’t dwell on our losses. We don’t allow our failures to define us. Instead, we prepare for the next battle, with God’s help. 

And then we turn our gaze outward. We recognize that everyone in our orbit is waging similar battles within. We become allies of their “Johnny” nature. And we extend to them the grace, patience, understanding, and encouragement they need. 

Heavenly Father, You know my struggle. Thank You for making victory possible over the dark side of my nature. Please give me the strength and will to fight each battle as it comes. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

This is an excerpt from Walking the Line: 90 Devotions of Truth and Hope Based on the Faith of Johnny Cash a new devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.