Warrior
There is something in each of us that makes us want to fight for a cause; the hopes of that being the right cause for many of us can becomes much slimmer. Warriors in Asian cultures were committed to their king and country, very disciplined in the way of battle, gave respect and earned it, having an honorable life, and pursuing peace in everything. Maybe this is why “The Last Samurai” is one of my favorite movies. As man of God, you cause in life becomes the center of relationships, marriage, family, and all other societal things within his life. It’s easy to become passive and to settle in life, but a Warrior knows that God looks at him and see not just who he is, but what more he can become. Failure is the greatest fear for men and it becomes personal, and we feel our worth based on accomplishments. In my life, failure has become a fear; whether it’s taking the right job, being affirmed in others, “successful ministry”, preparing and leaving for the Race, dating someone, but the greatest mistake would have been to never at least try in a life that our days are truly counted. God has shown many of us, that our past regrets and struggles can only make us stronger in the future and push on to the destiny that God has called us to if we don’t let our past failure exceed our present faith.
Peter in the Gospels walked on water, but in front of Jesus he let his fear overcome his faith which led to vulnerability of doubts that made him drown. He denied Jesus three times, and many times spoke too much, but he still became the Rock that started this great Church today. I truly believe that God uses ALL things, even failures, to show that we have become “battle tested” for life. If you regret, it will lead to shame when allowed, and this could cripple you the rest of your life. When I shared my story with the guys, I told them of things in my life that I regretted, two have led to shame as the others I’ve been lucky to give to the Lord; but I’m finding freedom in that. Jesus didn’t die on the cross and rise from the dead that I wouldn’t have victory over sin and death.
Unfortunately there’s numbers are so offset with the number of men compared to women in church these days, and maybe we’ve sensitized what a real man of God is. I do know that as a warrior, there’s a cause to fight for that’s outside of yourself. Until we find that cause (whether justice, righteousness, family, the gospel, other men) then you will never really live. The strength that God have us can be used for great good, but sadly for destruction also; i.e. divorces in America have shot up. I challenge myself and all men that the greatest warrior fights all his battles on his knees in prayer; without God we can do nothing. Jesus doesn’t just become Savior in my life, but Lord in every way. You have to be able to wake up with the confidence everyday that God has given you the power to walk triumphantly; no matter good or bad times. The church isn’t a playground, it’s a serious battleground of spiritual enemies that we have no real idea how strong they really are (get ready for Africa!). But, no matter what the principalities are and how the effect us or others, we have the very name of Jesus to win. In that name we can heal, pray for people, walk in love and freedom, invest in people, and create atmospheres in our families that will effect many generations. The greatest word for a Warrior is “honor” in the Asian culture, and I ask the my life may be honorable to the Lord and when people speak of me. What is your cause and what do you need to be fighting for?
As men or women, warriors, we must always protect the people in our lives we encounter (whether family or stranger), and protect your own integrity. Love your wife, don’t be in debt, pursue purity, lead in your marriage, be initiative in your life when it comes to goal and relationships, and be willing to say to God, “Your kingdom come, and my kingdom go!” When you can say that, your life will have honor when tomorrow’s never guaranteed.
Below: Anon and the lady I sat down and shared the gospel
with that night after the Lord told me to, please pray for them.
