The sun is bright and shining. And so are the foreheads that live in this house. The heat index is 106 today. Hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk or a lizard on a Quonset hut.
My inner-redneck is showing. I guess that's what happens when the heat gets to me! =)
Today finds the kids napping, Aaron sermon prepping and I'm here with my feet propped up, and an iced cold La Croix in hand. Lime...my favorite.
My mind is trying to apply myself to studying about the armor of God, which I'm supposed to be teaching on tomorrow, but my heart is heavy for the church itself. How very appropriate to be learning more about the armor as the day approaches.
Our country is getting ready to celebrate a birthday. A day where we celebrate our independence. Our freedom from tyranny.
Finding freedom in today's world is much like it has always been for mankind. Someone will win, and others will lose. Winning begins with these three steps:
1) Knowing your opponent.
2) Preparing your armor.
3) And Readying yourself for a tough fight.
You cannot decide to fight well or to polish up your armor when the enemy is at your door. Things that take work are difficult because it calls us to daily drill in circumstances that aren't "Right Now." Or immediate. Instant satisfaction won't work with a battle. At least in most cases, battles are hard fought. Sacrifices made. Duty and discipline. A loyalty of heart, and a unity of spirit. Characteristics of a warrior begin in the heart and are played out in his/her life as the battle rages. Time and effort have been poured into the heart and trained in the mind. Over and over, and over and over. Until fluidity, accuracy, and dependability are obtained. The finished product is what is necessary to accept and hold onto the prize.
As Jesus followers, the same is true for us. Maybe even more so.
If it is true freedom that we are after, then we have to repeat those same three steps...and hold close to what it is that we are fighting for. It was for freedom that Christ set us free. (Galations 5:10). The end of that verse urges us to "Stand firm" and not let ourselves be yoked to slavery again.
The process repeats itself. Again and again.
Perhaps as we approach this birthday, may we think past the fireworks and the "winning," and look towards the horizon as we stand firm. In our freedom. At least for today.
No comments:
Post a Comment