In martial arts there is an invisible line called the critical distance line. A warrior is constantly on guard, aware to his surroundings. When there is a threat to his safety or the life of his family, or others, he moves in towards this line. A warrior knows when he stands at this line, that it is critical. Facing the opposition, he must be ready to act. He follows the instructions he has learned from his teacher. He defends, attacks, with the goal to overcome.
Everyday in the life of a Christian is critical. We face an invisible enemy. When we wake to a new day, we should be aware of the opposition, the boundary lines of the Christian life, and be ready to defend those lines. Every moment is critical in the life of a believer. “take every thought captive.” The battle is real. The enemy is fierce. We have the armor of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord to overcome.
Each detail of life, minute by minute from within ourselves to around us, we need to weigh out every thought, message, attitude, desire, and “doing”, choice, against God’s holy standard. Not weighing it by what other Christians are doing. Weighing it in comparison to God’s Holy Standard. This takes time, Spiritual discipline, hardcore training, and examining of Scriptures and our own hearts. It is a matter of life or death. Stand firm, on that line, and be ready, with mind, heart, soul, and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power, in an instant “go”, to “do” what needs to be done, cross over with the full armor of God.
It’s about being a “doer”. Not just hearing the instructions, but “doing”. Not relying on ourselves, our flesh, our feelings, as these are a distraction and holds a warrior back. It’s about hearing the Word of God, trusting it fully, relying on Him, and immediately obeying. “Acting” in accordance with the commands of God in obedience.
In the book of Ezra, the nation of Israel was way off course, and had turned against God. God rose up Ezra to plead for mercy, pray fervently, lead the nation to confess sins, repent, and turn back to God by His mercy and grace. He led a revival for the land.
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach”
– EZRA 7:10
True warriors know it is critical they seek God, prepare the heart, study His commands, and “do it”. God will accomplish the revival needed in individual souls. He will accomplish His good and perfect plan for all.
A True Warrior looks out for others, with meekness and compassion, stands for truth and righteousness, because it is critical. He has a desire to share the Love of Christ, the gospel, that another might be saved.
A Warrior cares for his brother in Christ, and lifts him up in time of need.
A Warrior serves the Lord God Almighty, The Warrior in Heaven, Who came as a servant, fought the battle for him over sin and hell, and saved his very own soul. His name is JESUS!
The Warrior King is coming again – fight the good fight. And be ready!
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”! (Rev. 19:11-16)
1) “be doers of the Word” Not just “hearers” – James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
2) “Take every thought captive” – 2 Cor. 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.ptive”
3) “Put on the full armor of God” – Eph. 6:10-17
4) “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, Who loved us.” Rom. 8:37
5) “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 Jn. 5:4