Soldiers

Life is not without hindrance, nor our walk without

encumbrance. Impediments characterize our earthly travelling, interruptions are familiar. We get holdups and stoppages, difficulties and deterrents; sometimes it seems that this is all.

These interferers challenge us sometimes to the max. We are fed up or have had it up to here.  We moan, Why? — why is everything so hard?

I want to give you some solace, but first let’s try to find some out-of-the-box answers. Out-of-the-box happens when no “normal” answers suffice, but also, we fear a total breakdown or quitting. Daydreaming, illicit fantasy, or nonchalance is not what we mean by out-of-the-box. We cannot discard our concern, be indifferent or take on a new level of “cool.” Instead, we mean that the restrictive parameters of in-the-box thinking must be willing to face their ultimate death. They are simply not cutting the mustard for success.

First of these for consideration: quit thinking of yourself more highly than you ought to. Lighten up, dudes! We are not above the things which are common to man such as pain, suffering, and physical afflictions. You take yourself too seriously, you’re part of the “elite.” Throw away the persecution complex and embrace the commonality of human-hood. Were all gonna die someday. Then heaven, thank you Jesus.

Next, open up your consideration to the possibility of alternate explanations for these weird hinderers. What do I mean? Is it likely that God Himself is allowing the resistance? Is it purposeful opposition? Does it have a specific design or aim? Could it be that reproof of instruction, (ie. hard lessons), are the consistencies of life? What was Paul thinking when he exclaimed “I would rather glory in my infirmities?”

Let’s pause; We’ve all heard people say “no pain, no gain.” These people we considered nutty, fanatics, manic, insane. Indeed they might be; pain is no incentive for me. This is not what I am referring to. Then what?

In our lowly calm of meekness, first, and in our allowing God to reveal purpose in the obstacle, second; let’s resist back, third. This is the mainspring? Yes fellows, soldier up, for this life as Christians depicts a battle; but, a fracas that we can win. “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4 

Do we see it? The “affairs of this life” comprise a “box” that disables the focal point where our true attention belongs. Victory lingers because of laxity at spiritual necessity. Friends can we get it into our heads that our affairs of life in-box are all managed out-box? Do we see that our in-box is the constant hindrance to out-boxed victories which God had in His purpose for us all the time?

“In December 1773, Sam Adam’s followers dumped thousands of pounds of British East India Company tea, worth a half million modern dollars, into Boston Harbor to protest a three-pence-per-pound royal tax.” Thomas Fleming, from his book, ‘A Disease in the Public Mind.’” “Taxation without representation is tyranny!” Folks, a higher purpose was at stake then, one which would destroy all other purposes if not dealt with, now. But, because of this “fight back” at oppressive tyranny, a few years later came a “Declaration of Independence.” A Constitution for freedom was effected. A United States was born.

What are we saying? I watch people discard their spiritual well-being, spiritual health, things that are vital for out-of-the-box living and resisting evil; they opt for the in-the-box struggle. It seems more real? It seems so vital to jump to it’s attention now? What will people say? “I am a responsible person.” Yes who could argue with duty, duty, duty. “Others will fight.” O but Wait, freedom is in the balance.