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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).

posted by Jim @ 9:12 AM