Warriors...inevitably.

God does something amazing when Israel conquers the Promised Land. He doesn't allow all of the inhabitants (enemies) to be conquered. Why? Because He wants future generations to learn how to fight.


I point this out because we often forget this in practice. As a youth pastor, I talked to many parents who became greatly alarmed when the battles and decisions of life came to the doorstep of their teenagers. They invested themselves entirely in preventing such things from ever happening: avoiding public school, banning "worldly" music and entertainment, shunning non-Christian friends/fellowship. In short, parents who have come to know God don't want their children to face the same battles and struggles that they did.

God has a different plan - all people must decide who to serve. All people must learn to fight. All people must choose whether or not to give in to those things in opposition to God and His ways.

Here's the kicker. I am now a father of three amazing boys. I, like every good dad, want to fight for and protect my boys. For a season, I will do just that. However, the future of their hearts and souls is more dependent on them learning to fight for themselves. They must choose who will have their allegiance. They must learn the implements of war. They must learn to fight. They must learn that war is bloody, risky, difficult, costly... and necessary.
Most of all, it is inevitable. So, be strong my sons. Be courageous. The Lord your God will be with you. (And for whatever it's worth, so will daddy.)