We are in the middle of a discussion about the armor of God and there is a question that begs to be answered. Is it better to be a warrior or should a person just live a life of ease?
Seriously, it’s easy to get the mindset of not wanting to fight, to be on your guard. Wouldn’t it be easier to just enjoy life? Live each day as it comes. Life is a gift, right? Why waste it?
The truth is, we are not in heaven yet. The life we live here on earth, in light of eternity, is just a short time. But this time is so important for it is now when the choices we make determine where we will spend in eternity.
And, there is another truth to consider. We have an enemy.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8 New American Standard Bible 1995
Don’t let it be you!
Because we have an enemy, we must be on the alert. Like it or not, we are in a spiritual battle. You can spend all your time hiding and maybe the enemy will leave you alone.
Or you can engage. You can train.
Be a Warrior!
If you are to be effective, then you realize soldiers must train. I have heard friends who were in the military say their training was essential in saving everyone’s life in their platoons. They were trained to think of working together and never leaving anyone behind in battle. It’s common knowledge the United States Marine Corp has a motto, “Until they are home, no man left behind.” Then why do we think we can be lazy and not train to make sure our brothers and sisters in Christ make it through each spiritual battle they face?
Yesterday, I wrote about the power of the prayer of agreement. We must be fully engaged and in unity to pray that kind of prayer. This takes effort and commitment. This is a cause worth the focus of our lives.
What say you? Are you in?
I’m on a journey to discover the requirements to be a prayer warrior. The first thing to remember is I’m not alone, I’m surrounded by heavenly help.
I want to take the next 21 days to examine truths about spiritual warfare, corporate prayer and the praying in agreement and learn to apply them to my life. I don’t pretend to know all the answers. I’m going to be thinking with my fingers, so to speak, as I process what is in my heart about these topics after reading the word and praying for discernment.
You can go here to see each post I will be making on this topic.
Today’s question for your consideration: Would you be surprised to learn the breastplate of God’s Armor protects more than the heart?
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1 Peter 5:8 is so important to walking well as a Christian. It’s a cornerstone of a series I’m writing right now. It’s such an encouragement to read about this from someone else!
I love when the Holy Spirit moves on serveral people on the same subject. Confirmation!
This is a great post, Jerralea! “Then why do we think we can be lazy and not train to make sure our brothers and sisters in Christ make it through each spiritual battle they face?” This is a convicting question but so needed. Prayer is more powerful than we realize, and when we pray in agreement with others, how much more powerful. Of course, God hears the prayers of each one of us, but when there are more, I think we are encouraged to keep on. And our prayers, not just for our brothers and sisters, but for those friends and loved ones who have turned away or haven’t even come to Christ. We are in a battle for their souls. Blessings to you! Thanks for sharing your heart!
Gayl, I sometimes wonder if we really know how to bear one another’s burdens. I pray we all become better at lifting each other up.
I pray God will continue to help us learn how to “bear one another’s burdens” with love and grace.
Training is hard work but it’s essential if we want to acquit ourselves well in the battle!
Amen! I long to hear “well done” when I see my Lord. I don’t think He wants us to take the easy road all the time.
Jerralea, keeping that eternal perspective can make a huge difference in how we live out our days this side of heaven. I am excited that you are doing this series. If we want to be effective pray-ers and prayer warriors we need training and discipline, don’t we? May we each be diligent to pray with friends who are facing spiritual battles.