Do you remember the days in high school gym class when you had to climb the rope, run the mile, or do pull-ups? Pull-ups (or chin-ups) were especially challenging to me. The first 3-5 pull-ups go quickly and seemingly without effort. However, pulling your weight against gravity and getting your chin above the bar becomes more of an effort. Muscles start to burn in protest and the pace slows. Between 5-10 my arms seem to loose all of their power and I am straining my back and stomach muscles to help me get back up to the bar. At 11 my feet are pedaling in the air in an effort to help me reach the bar. I have never been able to do more than 15 chin-ups.
Think about the highest number of pull-ups you can do. What would it take to do 2 or 3 more? It would take effort, discipline, practice, work, strain, pain, and growth. Too often we hear sermons about God making the path straight, easy, and full of blessing. I agree with this in part. However, the reality is that we are called to a life of challenge, sacrifice, and discipline. There is reward, but it does not come without challenge.
Paul compares the Christian walk to an athletic effort. In I Corinthians 9:24-27 he discusses the way that we should live the Christian life comparing it to an athlete in training. He says that we should work to win the prize. What does it take to be the winner? effort, discipline, practice, work, strain, pain, and growth. If it did not take these things would the win be impressive- probably not. The heart of a Christian warrior does not shy away from challenge, rather accepts challenges as opportunities to grow. Certainly enjoy the comforts and blessings of being on the right path in the Christian walk, but also be prepared so that the challenges do not get you off course. When you feel like you can't do anymore- dig deep for 2-3 more and grow out of the effort.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Heart of a Christian Warrior week 2
Go back a few years and GPS type technology was only available to the military as a cutting edge way of guiding troops on the battlefield. Now, the family minivan comes with GPS technology as standard equipment. We no longer marvel at the idea of satellites orbiting the earth triangulating our location and guiding us to our destination. Consider for a moment the advantage of something high above us (having an all-encompassing, big picture view) guiding our movements in the right direction. Armies that are able to effectively use GPS technology to guide troop movements and track enemies have a tremendous advantage. Likewise, if we want an advantage in life we should connect to a higher being (with an all-encompassing, big picture view) in order to give us direction through life.
Throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible there is a repeated theme that goes something like this- Those who choose their own path in life end up lost. Proverbs 12:15 says "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel." Proverbs 14:12 (and 16:25) are a little more direct saying, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." How can we get better direction in life? We can plug into God and fellow followers as a means of finding direction. The life of King Saul (I Samuel 9-11, 13-15, 19, 22, 28, 31) is an example of someone who repeatedly followed his own path resulting in ruin.
The Christian warrior knows his/her path and that path is not determined by self, but is directed by a higher authority.
Throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible there is a repeated theme that goes something like this- Those who choose their own path in life end up lost. Proverbs 12:15 says "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel." Proverbs 14:12 (and 16:25) are a little more direct saying, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." How can we get better direction in life? We can plug into God and fellow followers as a means of finding direction. The life of King Saul (I Samuel 9-11, 13-15, 19, 22, 28, 31) is an example of someone who repeatedly followed his own path resulting in ruin.
The Christian warrior knows his/her path and that path is not determined by self, but is directed by a higher authority.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Heart of a Christian Warrior- Week 1
Scripture is wrought with passages relating faith to battle. From the warrior-king David to Paul's description of the armor of God in Galatians there are many references to battle and warfare in scripture. So, that is one reason I have decided to teach this series on Developing the Heart of a Christian Warrior. I see value in developing Christian warriors to fight the many spiritual battles we face in the world.
Throughout history and across many nations there have arisen warrior groups that have set themselves apart due to their skill, courage, capability, or accomplishments. Examples would include the Spartans, Maasai, Roman Centurions, Samurai, Aztecs, and the modern day Navy SEALS. These groups share several characteristics including unity, a clearly defined mission, team work, intelligence, training, skills, a defined enemy, dedication, discipline, strength, courage, and leadership to name a few. Overall, I would consider myself a pacifist, yet I see value in the aforementioned characteristics. These are characteristics that could greatly benefit the Church. Moreover, these are characteristics that we all have in some measure. It is when we come together that all the characteristics are fully present. Therefore, we will begin by exploring the concept of unity.
Throughout history and across many nations there have arisen warrior groups that have set themselves apart due to their skill, courage, capability, or accomplishments. Examples would include the Spartans, Maasai, Roman Centurions, Samurai, Aztecs, and the modern day Navy SEALS. These groups share several characteristics including unity, a clearly defined mission, team work, intelligence, training, skills, a defined enemy, dedication, discipline, strength, courage, and leadership to name a few. Overall, I would consider myself a pacifist, yet I see value in the aforementioned characteristics. These are characteristics that could greatly benefit the Church. Moreover, these are characteristics that we all have in some measure. It is when we come together that all the characteristics are fully present. Therefore, we will begin by exploring the concept of unity.
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