- The warrior runs toward danger
- He claims dominion over his land and defends it at all costs.
- He also equips others to defend themselves.
- He is always aware of enemies or threats to his tribe either in the natural or supernatural realms.
- The warrior continuously sharpens his sword and his skills for spiritual and physical battle.
- He is unwavering in his courageous and relentless pursuit of justice and freedom.
- He lives by and enforces core standards, values, and principles that honor God and his tribe.
- The warrior stands in the gap spiritually and physically for those he defends and protects.
As I conclude our 4-part series on the four faces of Biblical manhood and leadership, (see part 1, part 2 and part 3) I feel compelled to include one that fits a more stereotypical caricature of masculinity. A true depiction of a Godly warrior must characterize strength, honor, nobility, and relentless courage. For those of you who are on board with a Jesus who was a rugged, calloused-handed, mighty specimen of a man, this encouragement is for you. In our effort to be more Christ-like, we must be consumed with the concept of our roles as protective, rough, strong, resilient warriors. Unfortunately, in many cases, manhood has drifted downstream of culture. Culture has devolved into a voice of disapproval for this type of man and often demands that we apologize as the collective antithesis of flabby, flaccid, weak, and passive.
I’m here to confirm what most of you have already decided. We are called to be warriors who protect and defend those who cannot defend themselves; our tribe. Every man is designed to want, need, and protect that tribe. A tribe is defined as
a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader. This warrior is more than just a guy who refuses to shave his face, drives a lifted 4X4 truck, and dips tobacco while drinking bourbon. I’m not condemning these lifestyle choices at all, but true warriors and protectors have a deeper level than surface appearances and persona. A capable warrior who protects and stands in the gap between his tribe and the enemy is a man of meekness (immense power under voluntary control). It’s ok for Godly men to be dangerous. In fact, I would argue we should be the most dangerous man in the room without appearing as such; drawing unnecessary attention.
Relentless, courageous warriors and protectors are consistently disciplined in their pursuit of refining and expanding their skills. We owe it to our tribe to stay sharp, strong, wise, and prepared. A prepared man is a situationally and self-aware man. We are designed to foresee and even anticipate potentially kinetic situations; mentally planning the response accordingly. Most of us are not Special Forces Operators from the military but all of us should be alert, sober-minded, acting like bold, strong men in the face of adversity or danger (1 Corinthians 16:13). Additionally, an aspect of that preparation is ensuring that the members of our tribe are trained, equipped, and deployed when necessary. We may not be enlisting in our Nation’s army, but we are called to strengthen and prepare members of God’s army in a world of darkness and
evil. We must also teach our tribe how to engage in a supernatural realm with powerful, declarative prayer in the face of spiritual war. Jesus fought the devil with the word of God. He chose offense over defense and proclaimed the truth when confronted with lies. As you know, the Armor of God includes the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word, and it’s the only offensive weapon in the armor. We know this from 2 Corinthians 10:3, “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh”. As warriors and protectors, we don’t just build and flex our natural muscles, but we are called to also declare dominion over powers of darkness by flexing our supernatural powers given to us by the Holy Spirit. Strong men acknowledge and engage in battle to protect and serve those they have been given to love and steward.
SCRIPTURE:
”Then, I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that none shall march to and fro; no oppressor shall again march over them, for now I see with my own eyes.“
Zechariah 9:8
”Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.“
Psalm 91:9-10
HOW WE WIN:
- CHALLENGE FRIENDS OR FAMILY TO A PHYSICAL FITNESS QUEST TO INCREASE STRENGTH (PUSH-UP CONTEST, GYM MEMBERSHIP, ETC.).
- WHEN IN PUBLIC, SIT FACING THE EXITS AND SCAN THE ROOM TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL ABNORMALITIES OR THREATS.
- AS A FAMILY, MEMORIZE EPHESIANS 6:14-17 AND ALL PIECES OF THE ARMOR OF GOD.
