Spiritual Warfare Part 4 - Mobility & Flexibility
I will apologize ahead of time for this long blog (being made longer by this statement), but as I continue looking at the Principles of Warfare with respect to Spiritual Warfare I thought it was important to tackle the two closely related principles of "mobility" and "flexibility" together.
MOBILITY is action that places one’s strength against the enemy’s weakness. This principle is also known as
maneuver or
movement. In military warfare,
maneuver is to avoid engaging the enemy at one of his strong points. It involves a willingness to see, adjust, innovate and keep moving. Mobility allows an army to strike while strong, then disengage and reinforce, and then strike again. Mobility demands a careful understanding of battlefield conditions and a willingness to move for advantage.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:13).The principle of
mobility flows from
initiative. For Christians to maintain the initiative, they need to be flexible and innovative. Christians through the ages have discovered ways and words to communicate the Gospel to their generation. Today, we have the benefit of modern technology to reach the lost world with the Gospel: We can send taped messages or music to friends; E-mail gives us the ability to communicate with almost any other person, anywhere in the world (this is the ultimate mobility for sharing the Gospel). Of course, we now also have blogging.
We also need to be good listeners. The message of the Gospel should be shaped in response to people’s needs. Jesus was a master at this. He listened, then spoke to people’s point of need. Our words and actions should follow this approach. Have a clear understanding of the unchanging Gospel, and present the strength of God’s Word at people’s points of weakness and need. This is a skill that develops as you listen carefully to what people are saying and feel what they are feeling.
No matter where you work, regardless of your circumstance, be alert and look for opportunities to use your
mobility to pursue your objective.
FLEXIBILITY supports the principle of
mobility, allowing for positive change in response to unexpected circumstance, adversity, or unforeseen enemy action. The Air Force has coined the well-known (in military circles) phrase, “Flexibility is the key to airpower.” Flexibility allows you to respond appropriately to change and opposition, while still maintaining the offensive.
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some (1 Corinthians 9:20-22).Flexibility is the key to living successfully as a Christian. As you plan your day, realize that there may be changes, and trust in a loving and caring God who places you in whatever circumstances will allow you to serve Him best. Do not be frustrated by blocked opportunities, but look for a better time or way to accomplish what you had planned.
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “if it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that (James 4:13-15).
Spiritual Warfare Part 3 - Initiative
Continuing my series on the Principles of War applied to Spiritual Warfare, today I want to address the principle of
INITIATIVE.
The principle of
INITIATIVE (or Offensive) is to act rather than react, and it flows from the
objective. Taking the offensive allows a commander (or person) to choose the place, time and method of warfare. Initiative keeps the enemy off-guard and in retreat. Failure to take the offensive results in always being on the defense.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God (2 Timothy 1:7-8).
Christians need to be on the offensive. The Christian life should be full of power and boldness because the outcome is already known. Yet, too many Christians adopt the philosophy of “speak only when spoken to.” All evil needs in order to triumph is for God’s people to say nothing. If we wait for something to happen, we will continually be on the defense.
Your offense begins with time alone in prayer as you seek God’s power, boldness and control in all circumstances. Ask Him to prepare the hearts and minds of people you will speak to today. Ask Him to give you a “hearing” with people who don’t know the Gospel and who need true joy in their lives. Then, take action—take and make opportunities to speak. Speak up, in love, against sinful practices.
The armor of God, listed in Ephesians 6, mentions only one weapon for
offense: the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The other pieces of equipment are all defensive. Know the Word of God well enough to use it in all of life’s circumstances.
Through your words and actions, take
initiative that will help you achieve your
objective.
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
Spiritual Warfare Part 2 - Objective
The foundation upon which all warfare should rest is a clear and concise statement of what is to be achieved—an
OBJECTIVE (or purpose). This should be a central goal or purpose to which all other goals and actions contribute. A clear objective protects you from losing focus and wasting energy and resources in activities that do not contribute to victory. Philippians 3:13b-14 says:
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.Our OBJECTIVE, as Christians, is to love and obey God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to be God’s disciples and make new disciples as we go about the business of life. Regardless of how active we are or how tired we are at the end of the day, if our actions and words do not contribute to this OJBECTIVE, we are not winning.
To keep your purpose clearly in focus, ask yourself occasionally: “Is everything I’m doing contributing to my objective? Be tough on yourself; purposefully focus on doing the things that contribute to your relationship with God and obedience to His commands. Let others help evaluate your activities and learn to challenge and encourage one another to be focused and productive.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)
Next, I’ll look at the principle of “Initiative” or offense.
Spiritual Warfare
The spiritual war that rages everyday—mostly unseen by human eyes—is the most significant battle you will ever be involved in. The consequences are the most important you will ever know. This is the battle between God and Satan. Satan’s objective is to destroy lives through the ravages of sin and lead them away from God for all eternity. God, on the other hand, wants to lead people into a fulfilling life on earth and prepare them for eternal life in His presence.
When you look at these two objectives, you may wonder why there is a war at all. Why would anyone side with Satan? The answer is that Satan is a liar and deceiver, and humans, on their own, do not see through his deception. He promises one thing and delivers another. He attacks when we are tired and alone. He can and will defeat those of us who are not protected by the armor of God.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:11-12)
Having spent 32 years in the military I have studied the Principles of War more than I care to remember—from basic training, to Command and Staff College to War College. For centuries, the Principles of War have stood the test of time and proven to be valid. Those who ignore the accumulated experience of previous warriors will generally finish poorly, but success and victory will generally favor those who study and apply these time-tested principles.
Spiritual warfare is no less war than other types so it makes sense to look at combating it by use of the same principles. Rick Bereit, a retired Air Force Colonel and friend of mine, wrote a book titled “In His Service, A Guide to Christian Living in the Military.” In his book he devoted a chapter to the Principles of War. Over the next couple of weeks, I will look at what Rick has to say about the Principles of War and Spiritual Warfare. I will look at each of the 12 principles (1 per blog) and see how we can apply them.
Happy Resurrection Day
Happy Resurrection Day everyone! As I said in my last blog this is my favorite season. I was a little surprised at the seemingly low attendance at church today, but it was great seeing many friends, including Sarah (back on Spring Break).
Now, we just need to get rid of all this rain and bad weather so that the golf courses will dry out and I can get out and play this week. (I know, it's not all about me.)
My Favorite Time of Year
This is truly my favorite time of year as we celebrate the resurrection of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The past few weeks leading up to Easter have been busy but great. Our church put on the dramatic Easter musical, Jesus Son of God last weekend. It was absolutely great. My wife and I both got involved in this (as our first and maybe last acting experience) and were blessed by all the great people involved in the show. I want to give a special notice to Martha Thompson, the drama director. Just meeting and getting to know her made the experience great.
For those who haven't been involved in something like this, you may never know how much work and effort goes into it. The choir and orchestra (led by Robbin and Laura) were fabulous. I even have to admit that THE TALENT (as Todd called the readers) did a great job! Of course, don't forget the technical team. It's amazing how much work is involved in timing of lights, cameras, sound, etc. Lastly, I want to thank all the members of the drama team for the laughs and their friendship. Although I knew many of those involved, I met some new great people like Darin, Mark, Mark and Joey).
The best part of the whole thing was that I heard the performances resulted in 5 people coming to salvation through Jesus Christ and 3 who recommited their lives to Him. Now, that makes it all worthwhile!
I am really looking forward to the Easter message this Sunday and pray that the Dome is overflowing with people.
Well, it's late and us old people need our sleep so I better end this now. Good night.
My First Blog
OK. I finally decided to enter the world of blogging. Now, I guess I'll have to start thinking of things to write that people will want to read.
First, I do want to say Happy Birthday to Jenna.
