Warriors...like Jesus

Originally, I had no intention of turning "Warriors...inevitably" into a series of posts, but here goes.

A challenging and inspiring friend, for whom I am truly grateful to God, noted my use of the war metaphor in these last posts - particularly its abuse and misuse in the Christian context. Thank you, Kozy, for giving me an opportunity to clarify my own understanding of warfare and of the destiny I hope Jesus will guide my boys into:

A Warrior Like Jesus--
Culture
I am not advocating a war against culture: secularism, humanism, conservatism, liberalism, or any other ism. Jesus was not preoccupied with his culture, either for the good or for the bad. He was preoccupied neither with "secular" culture, nor religious culture (except to DEFY religious culture). The culture (behavioral standards) war was the one that the Pharisees were waging in order to protect "holiness" and "righteousness," not Jesus.

Jesus redeemed people within their cultures. He embraced prostitutes and thieves, yet shunned the religious folks. He sought the humble and rejected the proud (know-it-alls). He fellowshipped with pilgrims-of-heart and rebuked those who thought they had arrived. In practice, Jesus accepted those rejected by the religious authorities, whether "sinners" or fishermen or tax-collectors. He defied all cultural bounds and lived beyond culture.

Church
Being a Christian does not have anything to do with church services. How could it? As "little Christs", we cannot stray from our Founder who never did anything at church except throw over the offering plates and condemn the place as a bunch of thieves.

You see, in the best case scenario, the modern church has this attitude: "We have the Light. It is wonderful to live over here in the Light. Come join us in the Light."

(At this point, you may be asking yourself, "Yeah. What is your point?")

"Worldly" Christians
The alternative is to do what Jesus did - head out into the heart of the darkness in order to illuminate those who need it most. Like Jesus, we embrace the lives of those gripped by darkness in order to bring them freedom. Not freedom to come to church. Not freedom to conform to the image of church people.

What freedom then? Freedom to follow... Jesus, that is. Freedom to walk along side us as brothers and sisters and beloved friends. Freedom to be Jesus' followers. Freedom not to follow the church, but to be the church (while following Jesus).

1st Church of Isengard?
The church has long perceived itself to be much like the towering fortress of Isengard in The Lord of the Rings - impenetrable and able to keep out unwanted visitors. Like Saruman, Christians have shouted down at the world from high above. The time has come to abandon this fortress of safe irrelevancy for the fellowship of ruddy, diverse companions and journey into a dark world on the Way, in the Truth and towards the Life.

It is dangerous. It is full of enemies. It demands the fellowship of other warriors. It matters. It makes a difference. It is our destiny when we follow Jesus.

Full Circle...
And now we're back to my desire for my boys to be mighty warriors. One doesn't need to be a warrior to shout condemnation out the window to a world in darkness. But, to tread into the darkness bearing the Light demands the heart and soul of a mighty warrior - just like Jesus.

The war is treacherous. The war is tricky. The war is unlike any earthly example. The war is won not through conquering enemies, but through self-sacrifice. The war won not through witty arguments and persuasive answers, but in extending grace and love to those who may not want or deserve it. This war requires determination - people in the grip of darkness will have to be fought FOR, even as they fight against us.

Finally, this commission is difficult because the battle in the darkness for those in need of the Light is often unwelcomed by those living in darkness and condemned by those living in the Light.

Only a warrior undertakes this great commission. Only a warrior has the stomach for the fight.

So here we are again. Be strong, my sons. Be courageous - for the Lord your God is with you. (And for what it's worth, so are mommy and daddy.)