I’ve written quite a bit on this blog about taking up our sword and shield, engaging the enemy and fighting for what is rightfully ours; whether it’s fighting for TODAY or for your destiny or mission. But if you’re like me, you simply don’t fight. Sadly, often we don’t know that fighting is even an option.
With me, many times, I’m defeated before I even realize I was in a battle. I’m dead or bleeding on the battlefield asking, “Wow, where did that grenade come from? Why can’t I move? Oh yeah, my legs are gone!”
So, it occurred to me that there are probably some reasons why we don’t fight. Here are a few I thought of (there are probably more…):
- We don’t fight because we don’t realize we’re in a war. Hey, just in case you haven’t watched the news lately…we live in a fallen world. Evil is not only present but he’s prowling about every day looking for someone to devour. We’re in a war folks; plain and simple. And those who are not vigilant will get taken out. Heck, for reasons I can’t explain, many folks who are vigilant are taken out. We should live each day with all our senses on high alert for the dragon. Our weapons should be clean and ready for use at a moment’s notice.
- We don’t fight because the dragon uses guilt or shame over something in our past to keep us from feeling worthy enough to fight. In the story of St. George; he defeats the dragon because he’s honorable and filled with integrity. When we fail, we lose our moral high ground and the enemy uses that failure to cripple us and keep us from fighting future battles. Don’t listen! Remember, these to two facts. One, the dragon is a liar. He speaks lies, it’s his native tongue. And two, every day is a new day. You’re forgiven. Quit moping about the past. God’s mercy for you today is brand new.
- We fight but we fight the against the wrong enemy. The dragon is a liar and he’s an expert at misdirection. He will trick you into believing that your enemy is someone else; getting you to direct your anger elsewhere. Even worse, he’ll get you believing that YOU are the enemy and you’ll end up beating yourself up. Believing either lie will ultimately take you out.
- We fight but we choose the wrong battlefield. Successful commanders always choose their battlefields. They know where they are strong and more importantly they know where they are weak. An alcoholic can be strong at home surrounded by friends and family making strong decisions to stay away from drink. But put that same alcoholic alone and in a bar trying to resist and he’s doomed to fail; no matter how strong he thinks he is.
- We don’t fight because we don’t understand our enemy. One of the basic principles from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” states that you must know your enemy. When you know what your enemy is after and how he’ll come at you, his attacks are much easier to anticipate and defend. The dragon is not here to play around. He’s serious. And he wants to kill you, steal from you and destroy you. And he wants as much collateral damage as possible.
We only get one shot at this folks. We need to steel ourselves for battle each day. It’s time to put your big boy pants on. And you know what? If you don’t believe you’re in a fight, he’s already got you.
I’m sure there are more reasons than the five here. But this is my list. I’m curious…why don’t you fight?
I’m learning to trust what I know in my core to be true. In the past, I’ve been too willing to listen to others and second guess myself. Even if I’m wrong, it’s a worthy exercise for me to step out boldly and take a risk. It’s kept me from really “flying” at times with the gifts God has given me, and from using my “sword” at other times to protect those I love and to confront the wrong I’m sensing. Thanks for your encouragement that I have an “art” to share and a sword that I need to use.
Yes you do have incredible art to share and Yes you have a sword in your hand and you need to use it. There was a story we used to tell about the turkey and the eagle. And about the little eaglet that was raised by turkeys; constantly being told that he couldn’t do this and that even though he felt like it was natural for him. He finally ignored the prevailing wisdom of the turkeys and took off in flight. Only then did he realize how he’d been duped for so long. Often we’re the same way. We believe the lie about ourself and give up our birthright…without a fight.