God has called you to the front lines. You have what it takes. You are a warrior. So what does that mean? What is a warrior? For many the idea of combat is probably the first thing that comes to mind. With that comes the notion of strength and courage. Most probably think of someone who is fearless, never backing down from anything or anyone. And some probably think of a loaner who doesn't need anyone else.
Some of these qualities are good and true, others miss the point. John points out two main characteristics of the warrior, two that really sum them all up. A warrior has vision, and a warrior is cunning.
"Above all else, a warrior has a vision; he has a transcendence to his life, a cause greater than self-preservation... A true warrior serves something - or Someone - higher than himself."
A warrior isn't focused on saving his own life. Most of his actions involve putting his life on the line, and this is only possible when you're living for something greater than yourself. My mind goes to Brave Heart. Towards the end of the movie William Wallace is going to meet with Robert the Bruce because he has offered to fight along side him which gives the hope of final victory. Wallace's friend warns him that it's a trap, and this dialogue takes place.
Hamish: I don't want to be a martyr.
William Wallace: Nor I. I want to live. I want a home and children, and peace.
Hamish: Do ya?
William Wallace: Aye, I do. I've asked God for these things. But it's all for nothing if you don't have freedom.
William Wallace goes, is captured, and executed. But if you've seen the movie you know that even at the end he has the greater purpose in mind where even as he is being gutted he cries out, "FREEDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"
I think about Gladiator. Maximus has a desire to join his wife and son in the after life. As he fights his final battle in the Coliseum we see him begin to fade in and out, but he stays focused, finishes what he must do, because he is living and fighting for the glory of Rome.
A warrior has vision, he lives and serves for that vision, setting aside his own life, his own safety for something greater. A warrior is only a warrior when he serves something, or someone, greater than himself. Vision is what strengthens him to keep going, it enables him to endure the hardships, and if necessary it gives him the courage to lay his life down.
"Second, a warrior is cunning. He knows when to fight and when to run; he can sense a trap and never charges blindly ahead; he knows what weapons to carry and how to use them."
Not all battles are worth fighting, not all hills are worth dying on. Sometimes we run, and live to fight another day. Sometimes there are traps laid to take us out, and so it's crucial to be heads up and alert so we don't waste our lives carelessly. And what warrior is ever unarmed? Even if it's just his hands, he knows how to use them. He knows what weapons are needed for battle, and he knows how to use them. He's trained with them, he knows them, and he carries the appropriate tools for the job.
Vision and cunning are crucial to a warrior because we face deadly enemies whose sole purpose is to take us out. Sometimes we may need to give our lives, and with vision we are willing and ready to. Sometimes we run, sometimes we fight, and with cunning we know the difference and how to.
We are warriors. You are a warrior. And you have enemies that are working to take you out. Be on your guard and ready for the battle.
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3.20-21
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
No comments:
Post a Comment