I remember one day long ago when we were doing some drills and at one point we did "roundhouse kick" against "spinning hook kick". It was very intense and we really did simulate a real fight , with a lot of footwork and faking until this one guy would not attack me but would only hypnotize me with his "killer" footwork. Eventually he got too close for (my) comfort and the tension had really built up over the last minute so, on pure instinct, I fired an attack even though I was supposed to counter only. "The prey became the predator!" our trainer exclaimed with a loud voice and a positive tone. "Patrick (Coté) when you're not doing anything, he (Anderson Silva) is thinking on how to hurt you, so stay busy OK. " said Coté's corner between rounds.
These are principles that are true, both in the physical and the spiritual worlds. How so? One might ask. You see, the Bible is replete with military terms, fight references, war language, war analogies that depict one very important truth: the Christian life is a battle. It is war. It is a fight. It is on. One of the few things I've learned in my life is that Truth is disgustingly indifferent to my likes and dislikes, opinions or even awareness. We are in a battle whether we realize it or not. Many men end up being casualties because they don't see this reality. Paul tells Timothy "fight the good fight of faith" and part of how we can fight that battle is to stay on the offense.
The fight is a fight of FAITH. It does take place in many battlegrounds but the bottom line is Faith. Saving faith is to be kept at all costs. If there is anything that is threatening to your faith, you should attack it before it attacks you. How does that apply to real life? Well, Rachel in human resources. You just don't ever go beyond good morning with her. She's got the power to destroy everything you truly value. The abusive boss will not get an argument from you because you have been reading ( for the 4th time), Mahaney's "Humility", praying that God crushes your pride therefore you will see the abuse from God's perspective, not as an enemy but as a tool of sanctification conforming you to the image of Christ, to which you have been predestined , brought about by your loving God. A good fighter will be alert to all possible threats and even the remotely possible threats (i.e Houston Alexander's ground game) in the same manner the Christian man will do himself a favor by asking God to reveal to him constantly anything that could harm his faith. This should be done as a perpetual, frequent spiritual discipline. As a result of identifying possible attacks, action is taken against the enemy, whatever it may be. It is crucial that spiritual disciplines are in place here, because it is easy to DO the "right things" out of formula or self reliance or many things other than FAITH. So, be always on the lookout and shoot on sight.
May God give you the strength to fight until you die.
These are principles that are true, both in the physical and the spiritual worlds. How so? One might ask. You see, the Bible is replete with military terms, fight references, war language, war analogies that depict one very important truth: the Christian life is a battle. It is war. It is a fight. It is on. One of the few things I've learned in my life is that Truth is disgustingly indifferent to my likes and dislikes, opinions or even awareness. We are in a battle whether we realize it or not. Many men end up being casualties because they don't see this reality. Paul tells Timothy "fight the good fight of faith" and part of how we can fight that battle is to stay on the offense.
The fight is a fight of FAITH. It does take place in many battlegrounds but the bottom line is Faith. Saving faith is to be kept at all costs. If there is anything that is threatening to your faith, you should attack it before it attacks you. How does that apply to real life? Well, Rachel in human resources. You just don't ever go beyond good morning with her. She's got the power to destroy everything you truly value. The abusive boss will not get an argument from you because you have been reading ( for the 4th time), Mahaney's "Humility", praying that God crushes your pride therefore you will see the abuse from God's perspective, not as an enemy but as a tool of sanctification conforming you to the image of Christ, to which you have been predestined , brought about by your loving God. A good fighter will be alert to all possible threats and even the remotely possible threats (i.e Houston Alexander's ground game) in the same manner the Christian man will do himself a favor by asking God to reveal to him constantly anything that could harm his faith. This should be done as a perpetual, frequent spiritual discipline. As a result of identifying possible attacks, action is taken against the enemy, whatever it may be. It is crucial that spiritual disciplines are in place here, because it is easy to DO the "right things" out of formula or self reliance or many things other than FAITH. So, be always on the lookout and shoot on sight.
May God give you the strength to fight until you die.
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