The Warrior Way

Jesus calls us to invade, occupy and influence this world through our walk and our witness.

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

We are called to take dominion and advance God’s Kingdom culture. There is a big difference in holding a church service or invading a territory with the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Our job is to recruit and equip others for ministry and keep the Kingdom of God advancing into new territory. This is not a job for the meek or the timid!

What defines a warrior or how does one describe a warrior? Is it simply someone who engages in physical combat? Would we consider the lone holdout on the city council who won’t legalize Sunday sales of alcohol a warrior? Or, how about that ornery cuss who refuses to go along a curriculum change to soften the presentation of islam? Or, maybe the brave mother who pulls her children out of public school because of their anti-Jesus campaign against Christianity. Don’t these people display the characteristics of a warrior just as much as any soldier who goes into battle?

Did we ever consider it might take more courage to stand against the normal, easy and progressive innovations that continue to creep into our culture? If this is so, what are the characteristics of a warrior? How about: compassion, courage, honesty, integrity, loyalty, patience and self sacrificing for the good of the many, or the good of the one right in front of us? Are we willing to lay down our lives for others? Are we willing to die for another? What about intensity? How committed are we to the cause we have chosen to defend? Have we ever given any thought to making a firm, non-reversible commitment to living righteously? When are we going to lay down all the trappings and weights that keep us so grounded to this world?

Do we even suspect we can be more? In fact, can we become much more than we are today? Maybe, we have been struggling just to survive for so long, we can’t see any other way. Isn’t that the way we are supposed to live? Why do we get so choked up over certain topics? Why do we get so angry about other topics? Is my anger OK? It all seems so futile. How can I make a difference? Why would God care what I think? Or, why would He care how I live? How do I step into a life of purpose? How do I step into a life filled with destiny and make a difference in the lives of others?

These are the questions of life! Why me God? Why am I here? What difference does it make whichever way I choose to live? And, does anybody really care?

You see the battle rages all around us! The fight is a battle for the hearts, minds and souls of men and women. We all know people who are struggling to hold on. We all know people who are loosing the battle to the enemy whether its alcohol, drugs, lust or some other vice. We all know and love other people who have lost all hope. So, what are we going to do about it?

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

We can stand when all others flee and look for cover. Our Lord will deliver us! We must remember we are pilgrims passing through this place and we are in fact on our way home. And, our home is with Jesus.

We can declare the truth in contrast to all the deception that the world throws at us. Jesus is the truth, the light, the life and the way no matter how fierce the opposition is to that.

We can do the right thing no matter what it costs us. We can help all who need a hand. We can refuse to take the easy and wide road to death. In every situation, we are presented with a choice – do I do what benefits me or do I do what I know is the right thing? Will I stop and offer aid even when I am in a hurry? Will I pause and smile at a child or offer encouragement to those less fortunate?

We can live noble and honorable lives in the midst of debauchery and wickedness. We can refuse to watch or listen to things that defile us. We can be honest and forthright in every situation. We can take a stance for integrity and never waiver.

We can love our brother as much as we love ourselves. Life is about people! We can live one day at a time, touching and loving one life at a time. That’s how the Kingdom of God is advanced – one life at a time. We can pray for the needs of others. We can make a difference in somebodies life every single day. As long as we draw breath, we can praise our Lord and help others to see Him, to know He loves them and that He will heal all that concerns them simply because He does love them.

This is the warrior way. Walk in it! Deliberately – one day at a time – one life at a time! Jesus loves you and wants to love others through you! Praise God for His awesome love! Praise God for His faithfulness! Praise God for His lovingkindness! Let our lives be examples of praise and worship to God by the way we live, the way we walk and the way we talk. Amen!