Warriors...hopefully?

As I further contemplated the notion of each generation learning to fight the good fight, in utter disregard of the best protective efforts of parents (and often times the church), something else occurred to me.

While praying with some mighty men and women of God, the subject of revival and growth came up in regards to the youth. Having been thinking recently of Joshua and the taking of the Promised Land, I put this thought together:

Taking land (seeing God's kingdom advance) is CONTRARY to safety.

Furthermore:
1. Moving forward provokes new enemies.
2. Unknown enemies reside in new territories.
3. Old (former) battle tactics are also outdated. New and unique warfare is needed.

(By the way, this all comes straight from Joshua - check it out for yourself.)

All this points towards an uncomfortable decision - build up walls to close ourselves off and try to prevent defeat, or march out to engage new enemies risking defeat for the sake of victory. (This also begs a comment on faith - if we really have it, why do we run from enemies instead of engaging them.)

I have no idea what battles my boys will face as they grow up. What I do know is that my battles today are not at all the same battles my parents or grandparents faced. I suppose my challenge is just to see that they are mighty warriors ready for whatever may come.

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.)