01/22/2021 – What characterizes a Christian warrior?
Categories :
How Then Shall We Live?
- I started this post with full intentions to “Keep it brief, Jimmy!” The Holy Spirit had other intentions though, so here I am at 5:45 a.m. on a Saturday finishing it up, from the beginning! lol Man, it doesn’t look anything like my summary bullet points. Imagine that! I think he might have left in the typos and English language fopas for you though… No one is going to read this post unless God has led them here personally, that includes current Christians, not just future Christians. (So, that is my final sentence that He has given me in this post.)
- I believe our highest calling is to have a laser focus on striving to be Christ imitators. I used it twice this week, but indeed I believe what I wrote about remnant Christian warriors: Not someone that has typically alot of friends, for they seem to push their closest brothers into a zone of “uncomfortable”, out of love and for His glory. That connects and is reaffirmed by my conversations with God, the source of all things good. It was a long process, and God forbid the growth curve should ever slow down. So, we need to think like a “Caleb” in our elderly years. As Voddie would say, Cale did not buy into the 11th commandment. And on a secular level, our SEAL warriors exemplify the same characteristic, although many are Christians of course. (If not, that would be called “common” grace. There won’t be any “common” grace in hell.)
- I think of the sanctification process much like an athlete that strives for full potential. God provides but He wants us to participate to our fullest. Paul used “athlete” analogies. My mojo is so much higher now that I spend so much more time and my efforts in His Word and in prayer. Yes, we glorify God in our jobs, including treating it as just another important mission field. And I include in that body and mind. The exercise regimen helps.
- I believe we should teach “Patristics” , a study of early church leaders and martyrs for the faith. And even beyond, take a quick look at the story of Bishops Ridley and Latimer, who ended their life being burned at the stake for their faith in Oxford in 1555. (link below). But, I will share the last words to his brother in Christ Ridley just before he died: “Latimer died much more quickly; as the flames quickly rose, Latimer encouraged Ridley, “Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out.”
- How were they able to do it? God, the Holy Spirit, was with them. On the other hand, Yeshua on the cross, was completely abandoned by God, our Father. Why? Because he had to take on the whole sin of the world. Before the incarnation, Yeshua had been totally immersed in the perfect love triangle between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The love and the supreme sacrifice are totally and completely unfathomable. It certainly can’t be captured in words.
- So,if we get put in that position before we leave this earth, God will be with us. I have already prayed,years ago, through the Holy Spirit:”Lord, my failure will not be an option, and I can’t even approach it without you!” So stepping out in faith from a starting point of “No way on my strength!” , is in fact seizing upon a wonderful opportunity to give glory to God!
- And so much moreso, if in fact it comes to pass. No? So, let’s “play the man” as Latimer proclaimed almost half a millenium ago. Christians, that do not see the possibility, what with the state and evil spiral that has occured in our lifetime, would not be reading this blog in the first place….. Pray starting in a position of “uncomfortable” ! As Yeshua told Peter: “I will take you where you don’t want to go.” Tradition has it that he died upside down ont he cross, for his last request was not to be in an upright position, for he was too unworthy. This is the man that denied his Lord three times. So, on whose power again? Pray and engage, do we have time to do anything else going forward? How do I walk my talk here? Well, we are back to the source of all good things, Our Lord! We just need to get in the game before the buzzer rings. After all there is no game after this one.
Thoughts?
Love,
Your brother in Christ,
Jimmy
I don’t have words so I will just stick with : “Soli Deo Gloria!”.