For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
I have not yet seen the new Narnia movie, but I recently watched The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe again, and have thought about the Christian’s Journey of life. If you are looking for principles to help you in your Christian walk, consider the journey of the character Peter. His realizations and the changes that happened in his heart and mind are a lesson to all Christians seeking to grow in their Christian faith.
Without giving too much of The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe movie plot away (rent the DVD if you haven’t seen it), I can say that Peter started out as a young boy who suddenly found himself surrounded by a noble cause, others looking to him for leadership, and a battle to be fought. At first, he was reluctant to step up as a warrior and a leader. But the cause was too great, and at some moment he realized that it was his destiny to fight the battle and be a leader in the army of Aslan.
As Christians, we face the same decisions Peter faced. In this life, there is a war going on, a great war between good and evil. At stake is the souls of men, and there is no greater cause to be fighting for. But in our culture, it is easy to be distracted, and seek the “good life” of comfort, entertainment, and leisure rather than be continually, actively engaged in the fight. Even pastors and Christian leaders often feel like taking a long rest from the battle. Some rest is good, but it is easy to go from rest into a continual comfort zone of watered-down ministry, and a casual Christian life.
So what are we as Christians to do when we realize that we face that crossroads that Peter faced in Narnia- seeing the cause, but feeling reluctant to pick up a sword and fight?
If you want to be transformed from childhood-Christianity to being a Warrior for Christ, here are four steps to help you on your journey:
- Understand the Battles
Many Christians don’t realize or ignore that there are spiritual battles we ought to face head-on. The Bible makes it clear that we are in a war, and challenges us to be strong and fight:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13
Christians face several types of battles. The first battle that we face each day is the battle against our own sin nature, which Paul describes in detail in Romans 5-7. Many Christians think they are fighting against Satan or demons, but in many cases their fight is with their own “flesh” (sin nature). Before you can win any battle, you must first correctly identify the enemy. But if the sin nature is your enemy, if you are struggling with sin and feel like Paul did (“oh wretched man that I am; who will deliver me from this body of death?) God has good news for you! In Romans 8, and again in Galatians 5, Paul shares the secret of victory over sin- walking in the Spirit! Indeed, learning to walk in the Spirit is the key to a victorious Christian life. (Note: watch for upcoming articles on this topic on Christian.com).
As a Christian continues to grow, their ministry and influence in others’ lives also grows. This is when you will see the second type of battle intensify get more intense from Satan and the “rulers of the darkness of this world”. You see, when you are not doing anything, the powers of darkness don’t care about you much at all. But when you are impacting other people’s lives for the Kingdom, expect increased opposition. Keep close to Christ, because with the opposition, God gives more grace and will empower you to fight any attack that comes your way.
2. Have a Strategy
Just as having a plan and strategy is critical to victory in natural battles, it is critical in spiritual battles as well. It is no enough to hope that you can overcome some sin in your life, or hope that your life with make a difference for eternity. You must have a plan from God that will lead you to victory. Since your battles may be different from others’, and your life purpose is unique, then the plans for you is something you must seek out on your own. You need a plan to overcome sin in your life. A plan for your life purpose- to find and fulfill your destiny. And strategies to walk out that life purpose fulfill God’s dreams for your life. If you don’t know what your life purpose is, then for now, make finding your purpose your purpose! Pray and listen for God’s voice, study your Bible, get involved in ministry in your church or in some way, and read good Christian articles and books to guide you on your journey. Don’t just sit and wait for an angel to appear to tell you what to do…remember that God can only steer your ship when it’s already moving!
3. Be Courageous to Lead
You may feel like Peter did in Narnia- like you are not ready to step up and lead. But the very nature of war forces men and women to grow up fast. My grandfather bravely served in World War II while just a young man in his twenties. As a Captain he lead men into battle against the battle-hardened Nazi army. He was in charge of liberating several concentration camps in southern Germanyat the war’s end. He was a hero, but in order to be a hero, he had to grow up fast and fight harder and harder every day, during every battle, whether he felt like it or not. So if you feel reluctant or not ready, realize that your feelings are normal. God is asking you to stand and fight, in spite of your apprehension, with faith in Him. Look to God, because He has already given you everything you need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3) and will give you victory as you trust in Him!
So whether you feel like Peter and Susan in Narnia (not yet ready to lead and fight the battles before you), like Edmund (you’ve made mistakes in the past and don’t feel qualified to lead), or like Lucy (still in wonderment about this whole Christianity-thing, and unsure if there is a place for you), remember that God has a plan for you (Jer. 29:11), and if you follow after Christ, He will take you on an exciting journey of life, and in the end you will rule and reign with Christ in His eternal Kingdom!
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the CROWN OF LIFE, whichthe Lord hath promised to them that love him.
James 1:12
Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.
Rev. 3:20-21
