Going to War

**A Work In Progress/A Blog Post still "Under Construction"**

Lust destroys.

Its tactics are evasive and it has many strategies in play. We can only overpower our opponent by understanding the schemes and uncovering the lies. We can counter with a strategic game plan of our own. As Christians, we call this "Operation: Put Off, Put On".

We will need to venture into enemy territory and explore the underlying issues... Grab your sWord and we'll chart the course together.

The Battle Field

It may be tempting to point fingers, but ultimately, the battle ground is in our minds, our hearts and our resolve. As we look at the enemy's tactics, we'll also examine and review some game plans of our own. Our Commanding Officer did not leave us without direction. We have been entrusted with a mission and the first line of defense is to KNOW what the mission is.

The Mission

In simple warfare terms, we are called to seek out new recruits and train them in the way of righteousness (code name: disciples). As we train others, we should also be striving to hone our military skills by utilizing our tools and weapons. This translates to an embedded mission, fondly dubbed "Sanctification". Don't mistake this sub-assignment for the prime directive --only less focused soldiers lose sight of the true objective of a mission.

Save F.A.C.E.

As we prepare to recruit others, our lives should be reflecting that of a true soldier of God's army. Don't shy away from your duty as an officer --step up to the plate and be a Faithful And Consistent Example. We must be striving toward godliness, growth and sanctification for the sake of our witness and our testimony. As we desire for others to come to saving knowledge, we ought to seek to mirror our Lord and Savior as ambassadors of Christ and as children of God. Our obedience should be driven by our love for God and others and our desire to live for HIS purposes and to fulfill HIS plans.

The Enemy's Ploys

What causes lust to be appealing? What does the enemy NOT want us to know? Let's scrutinize the heart issues and the facts. Let's pinpoint the culprits and review our line of defense.

Note: Do your homework and sharpen your senses. After confronting each "Reality", try to think of 1 corresponding "Put Off" and list 3 specific ways you can practice putting off. Then, after reading about your "Weaponry", try writing a countering "Put On" and list 3 specific ways you can practice putting on (this may not work for each category, but be resourceful). Remember, a "Put On" is actively doing the opposite/counterpart of a "Put Off". Dig deep and be detailed in your assessment. Your ability to discern what needs to be "put off" and "put on" may very well dictate the success of your assignment.

Reality #1: Lust is deceptive.

It promises satisfaction, but only leaves its victims empty and devoid of life. It's all an illusion --it has no substance. The more you crave, the less you have. Even though it boasts fulfillment, it certainly can't give --it can only take. Once you realize that your valuable resources (time, money, mind, etc) are being drained by a hostile enemy, you can practice claiming those resources for something fulfilling and satisfying.

Weaponry: Train your heart and mind to turn to the One who WILL fulfill and satisfy you. He is the only one who can. By dwelling on Him, His Word and His promises, you can partake in something real and substantial; something life-giving and genuine. Take time to consider ways that you can start training your heart and mind.

Reality #2: Lust is lazy.

"Self control" and "self discipline" are taboo in this enemy's camp. The enemy feeds off of your desires for personal comfort and wants to keep you complacent. Lust seems easy --and essentially, it's the "easy way out" of a lot of situations. But you can't allow yourself to settle for lies and illusions. Lust is a task master that will not back down. If you say 'yes' once, you can bet that you'll say 'yes' the next time after that. The more you indulge, the easier it is for the enemy to gain ground.

Weaponry: Practice saying "no" to yourself. It's called "denying yourself, taking up your cross and following" after Christ. Jesus laid down His will and calls us to do the same if we are to be counted worthy to fight in His army. Don't let yourself become complacent. Challenge yourself to do things that are outside of your comfort zone --especially things that God requires of you that don't come easily (i.e. forgiveness, humility, outreach, etc). Work on mortifying your flesh in even small areas of your life. It may not seem like it at first, but you are actually building up your resistance levels toward laziness. Be vigilant and consistent in your choices and decisions. If you let other areas of your life slide because it's more 'comfortable' and 'easy' to do so, then you are setting yourself up for bad warfare habits.

Reality #3: Lust is self-centered.

The greatest lie that lust holds a monopoly on is that it's all about YOU. If you fall prey to this mentality, you might as well hand your weapons and ammo to that gunman that's trying to snipe you from afar. Even if you are not actively seeking to be self-centered, lust will always be an endless and selfish ambition.

Weaponry: Because the enemy feeds on your desire to serve self, when you are tempted to lust, consider how you can serve someone else in that moment. Do something kind for a loved one (i.e. do the dishes, make dinner, run an errand). Come up with other ideas on how to serve that are outside of your normal routine (i.e. write an encouraging letter/note to a friend or relative, volunteer in your community, visit/call a friend in need, etc). Do whatever it takes to take your mind off of yourself. If you try to combat lust by feeding another desire to serve yourself --or by preoccupying your time with self-focused activities-- you ultimately only train your mind, heart and body to be self-seeking, leaving the door wide open for a breach of your defenses.

Reality #4: Lust is ugly.

Consider what lust does in a person's heart and mind while it's zapping life and leaving a black hole in its wake that only delivers disappointment, regret, shame, guilt and alienation from God. The Creator made love and intimacy to portray something amazingly beautiful, and yet lust taints and mars everything that's pure and good. When the enemy is viewed as what it truly is --something revolting and disgusting-- this mindset can help break through the illusion and deceit that can make it so appealing.

Weaponry: How do you combat something that is ugly? By reveling in something beautiful. Treasure and honor what God has composed. Consider ways that you can exemplify purity, and reclaim the beauty that was originally intended for God's creation (i.e. write a love letter addressed to your [future] spouse or to God, pray fervently for your [future] spouse's purity and resolve, write/meditate on a worship song, recite/meditate on a profound piece of scripture concerning God's love or God's intent for marriage, keep a journal and direct your ponderings to God, etc). The more you cultivate your love story with your Creator, the more you will yearn for that which He designed --rather than a cheap counterfeit.

Reality #5: Lust has no patience.

The absence of patience makes waiting nearly impossible. Paired with self-seeking and a lack of discipline, lust promises "instant gratification". You can disarm this alluring lie if you meditate on lust's true nature and its ramifications. The benefits of waiting patiently and reaping the fullness and beauty that God has created, far outweighs the cheap imitations that the enemy offers. Remember that you are holding out for something more glorious and more beautiful than you can imagine (in the short-term, and especially in the long-term). Deny yourself the opportunity to be satisfied by anything less than God's perfect provision and practice making patience a priority.

Weaponry: "We are to be patient and reliant on God's sovereignty wherein under this all-knowing and all-powerful umbrella we trust His timing for all we receive or don't, all that comes to us or flees, and all that happens or doesn't - all in His timing and in His way. Consider ways to aid the growth of patience in your dailiy life." [Byron]

In addition, more than just "building up patience", you must DENY your sinful tendencies and override your "natural"response to trying and challenging situations. Impatience is ALSO self-focused and, ultimately, a love of self. Patience, a fruit of the Spirit, is selfless and loving toward others. Rather than thinking about yourself when you're tempted to be impatient, flip a 180 and SERVE those around. (i.e. If you can hardly stand that one person who always manages to annoy you somehow, consider praying for them and their needs regularly, going out of your way to spend time with them/serve them, seeking ways to reach out and minister to them, etc.) Those situations and circumstances which tempt us to be impatient need to be that which drives us toward Christ-likeness. Pray that God would help you grow in patience and don't shy away from opportunities to exhibit patience, long-suffering and love for others.

Reality #6: Lust has consequences.

We've looked at some of the consequences and will continue to see the irreparable damage that it can cause to a soldier's heart and mind. The consequences are far reaching, impacting one's relationship with others and one's relationship with God. Not only will lust make you pay, but it will leave you spiritually bankrupt.

Weaponry:

Reality #7: Lust is ungrateful and discontent.

Though highly related, these two offenses are distinctly unique. A soldier who is both ungrateful and discontent is essentially a miserable being. The opposites of these misdeeds, of course, translate to "Gratitude" and "Contentment". Gratitude (gratefulness, thankfulness, etc) reveals a deep sense of appreciation and an attitude of thankfulness directed, specifically, to the Giver. Contentment is the state of being satisfied and filled with what one already possesses. Both require a continuous and active choice. These choices don't come easily and sometimes it's tempting to overlook them. However, these two weapons of warfare are key to your success in this assignment. Remember: the enemy wants you to feel empty so that it can entice you with lies. If you are being satisfied and finding continuing satisfaction and contentment during your time with God (through prayer, reading His Word and by fellowshipping with other believers, etc) then you won't be as vulnerable to an assault.

Weaponry: Learn to find reasons to rejoice amidst affliction. Cultivate a heart of gratitude and thankfulness to God. Learn to be content and focus on what you have rather than what you DON'T have. When the enemy attempts to derail you, consider writing lists of things you are grateful for and even things that God has done for you. Meditate on His glorious promises. Ponder the character of God and His wonderful attributes. Thank Him regularly (whether that's several times a day or even several times an hour). Do what you must to grow in thankfulness and contentment. It is a major factor, not only in overpowering lust, but in your personal spiritual growth.

Reality #8: Lust alienates you from God.

If nothing else has roused your resolve to passionately fight lust, let this be the defining moment. The enemy is what stands between you and your heavenly Father. God sent His Son to earth to bridge the separation between God and man and to break down sin's destructive divide. He made a way for us to be in direct communion with Him and we are only capable of experiencing true, abundant life when we are connected to God. So... what will it take for you to fiercely smash and desperately demolish this intrusive barricade that has threatened your precious relationship? What will it take to tear down the walls and the barrier that the enemy has fabricated? If anything should spur you on toward action, it ought to be the imminent peril of the enemy encroaching on something as transcendent as your relationship with God the Father. Guard your relationship jealously.

Weaponry: Put God first. Talk to Him the second you wake up in the morning. Let Him be the last thing on your mind before bed. Schedule times throughout your day to have quiet moments with God. Confess your sins regularly to Him, claiming His gift of forgiveness, grace and mercy. Meditate on Christ's triumph on the cross and all that He has accomplished. Acknowledge your short comings and bring them before the throne of God, asking Him to utilize even your weaknesses for His glory.

Reality #9: Lust is ruthless

Our enemy will ensnare us in anyway possible. It will spare no attack when you're weak and when you're down. Furthermore, this lethal enemy pursues "The Lone Wolf" --the unsuspecting victims that wander away from the platoon.

Many soldiers are running across enemy lines and giving themselves up as POWs.

Weaponry:

Reality #10: Lust has an agenda

When you think the enemy is merely a mindless, direction-less pack of emotions and urges, you've already set yourself up for defeat. The enemy has a scheme and wants you to perform its own agenda. It plans to keep you in a futile state of perpetual failure --to keep you from God's purposes for you, to keep you from shining His light and to keep you feeling trapped and incapable. Keep in mind that the enemy offers counterfeits of everything that God offers. If God has a plan for your life, the enemy does to. Whereas God's plans lead to life and fulfillment, the enemy is plotting your demise and destruction.

Weaponry: Formulate your OWN agenda --one that will counter the enemy's tactics. Be wise in how you devise your game plan. Look at your weapon inventory and determine what works on your personal battle ground. Come up with a detailed plan. Make adjustments as you go. Allow for failure --trial and error... Remember: the enemy has been working on his strategies for centuries and you are just now learning how to utilize your defenses and tools. Cling to God's grace and mercy when you fall. If you don't, you will end up RIGHT where the enemy wants you (alienated from God, devoid of life, etc).

Don't wait to form your own personalized tactics. Review the facts and heart issues and pinpoint where the enemy is breaching your line of defense. Which of these things are true for you? Try the suggestions listed under "weaponry" and expand your offensive equipment by coming up with your own ideas. Take charge of the battle and rejoice: Christ has already won the war!

-Fellow Soldier