Christianity is warfare. Immediately when someone says that, people think of people fighting people. We do not fight against people, but for them. "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:12). We are at war, a spiritual war, but most Christians are not prepared in the least for the spiritual battles we are to face. Our weapons we seek are offensive or even defensive, but merely tools for our comfort. We seek only what can ease our lives and not what advances the Kingdom. We are called to storm the beach, but we act like we are going to the beach. Instead of the weapons needed to win the battle, we are storming Normandy with sunblock, at towel and some refreshing iced tea. We love those things because they bring comfort, but they are of no use in the battle.
Dear brothers and sisters, lay down your desires and longings for personal blessings and pick up a burden for the lost. Lay down fear of man and pick up love for mankind. Lay down hours on Facebook and pick up hours on your face before a Holy God. Lay down self interest and pick up interest in Heaven "where neither moth nor rust destroys." Lay down your towel and pick up the sword of the Spirit. Lay down your sunblock and pick up the armor of God. Lay down your iced tea and drink from the Living Water.
Time is short, we need every believer properly equipped for the battle. What does that look like? Genuine believers pray and seek God daily. They read His word and let it read them. They share the incredible message of the cross to those they meet regularly. That is all just normal to the regular believer. They engage in the battle. Does that describe you? If not, fall to your knees and repent, Join your brothers and sisters in the fight. Christ is not looking to scold you, He just wants you to join His army and take the beach.
John Eldredge
