Happy New Year! Wow…2013. Now…given the fact that you are reading this article means the 12/21/2012 doomsday folks did NOT get it right. Who’d a thunk it? Of course…we are still here and the world is still turning. So…who’s up for another trip around the sun? I am. You know, it’s been said that time waits for no one…So let’s get on with it. Every day we draw breath, God has something for us to do. And every day…we are in a war…a Spiritual War.
Over the next few months, we are going to be looking at our calling as Christians…as men of God…as Servant Warriors…and how that calling mirrors the mission of a Marine Corps Rifle Squad…which is to: Locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, and repel the enemy’s assault by fire and close combat. Oorah! We will be hanging out in the book of Ephesians…chapter 6…verses 10-18. It’s a familiar passage and one that I think is one of the most empowering and inspiring passages in all of Scripture.
In preparation for the next few months, let’s quickly break down Ephesians 6:10-18 and parallel the passage with the 
Mission of a Marine Rifle Squad – to locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver and repel the enemy’s assault by fire and close combat. The “fire” we use to destroy the enemy are the weapons of God…belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness (v.14)…helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit – God’s Word (v.17)…and prayer (v.18). The “maneuver” is fitting your feet with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace (v.15). We repel the enemy’s assault and his arrows with the shield of faith (v.16). “Close combat” is our interactions with others…how we treat them…and how we handle the trials of this world and the struggles of life.
The way we, as Christians, engage the enemy is done through very similar tactics when comparing to the traditional aspects of war. However, we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6:12).
Now, one of the things our military learn during their training…and throughout their military career…especially if they are in a combat unit…is how to handle themselves in close quarters. Hand to hand…mano e mano. Effective close combat is one of the deadliest tactics we as Christians…as Servant Warriors…can employ to flat out kick the enemy’s tail…and hit him right where it hurts. What am I talking about you ask? Here it is…
The devil’s tactics and weapons are the things of this world. He uses things such as arrogance, pride, status, and judgment to create separation among people…among God’s children…among our brothers and sisters…and thus making them, and us, easy prey for him and his henchmen. Divide and conquer is one of his most effective tactics. Why? Because we are the ones often delivering it…that’s why. And if we don’t recognize it…we will continue to be the weapons he uses to deploy his tactics. “What do you mean, Searcy?”
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick….For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt 9:10-13) Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He didn’t spend all of His time with “church” people. He spent time with and loved, only as an all sufficient Savior could, those society deemed outcasts, unclean, unworthy.
In John chapter 15, verse 12, Jesus commands us to “Love each other as I have loved you.” Who did Jesus hang out with and gravitate to during His earthly ministry? That’s right…sinners. Want to know what irritates and hurts the devil the most? The tactical weaponry that we, as Servant Warriors…Christians…can let loose on the evil one and really rock his world? It’s when we love our neighbors as ourselves. It’s when we share the message and love of Christ with those often shunned and turned away because they don’t look like us…or act like us…or who has messed up…made mistakes. We must remember that we ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Our righteousness is like filthy rags…and none of us could be saved if not for the unconditional love and grace of God through Jesus’ death on the cross.
The Spiritual Warfare training will continue next month. Until then, keep it Real…Radical…Relentless…Relevant…and definitely Armor Up.
Make sure to check out ServantWarriorRadio.com.
The above article appeared in the January 2013 edition of Power Source Magazine and can be viewed HERE.
Jeff Searcy 