As a young boy, I can remember playing war in the woods with my friends. We would split up in teams and build forts for protection. Our goal was to sneak over to the other team’s fort without being seen or shot at. As boys, it is built in our DNA to want to pretend to shoot at things, play army, and get dirty. Playing war as a kid was so much fun, but it was cool because no one got hurt.
However, the reality that I realized after becoming a father is that our kids are in a war! Everyday kids are in battle over who they are going to follow. When they are young we don’t pay much attention to it because they are so cute and lovable. As they get a little older, we give them rules to follow so they won’t get hurt. We all have good intentions for them like making good grades, being the best athlete, a great musician, Eagle Scout, or just fitting in. But soon we realize our influence is fading and the world’s influence is growing. Our kids are in a serious battle for who they’re going to follow!
Sending a soldier into battle unprepared would result in a definite casualty. A soldier needs to be prepared with armor, the ability to fight back and the knowledge to know the enemy’s tactics. The same goes for our kids: they must be ready for a spiritual war. As Christ Followers in Brevard Community Church, God has given us the responsibility to equip the people under us.
Here's some instructions in the Bible on how to be prepared for a spiritual war:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:10-18
Next week is an example of our church taking the opportunity to
equip those under us. At “SKY” VBS, we get to invest in 200 or more kids and
share the Gospel of Jesus with each of them. This is just one step in preparing
the ones who will come after us to be prepared for war. Here are a few
things you can do: pray for VBS, get involved, and encourage parents to be the
example of Jesus to their kids. Oh, one thing to remember: God has already won
the war, but let's not send our kids into battle unprepared.
- Marty Burgess
College Pastor, BCC
