A Battling Example

The goal of battle is to overcome the opposition by force and institute a set or in some cases a re-set of personal beliefs or principals for a people or system.   That is exactly why God sent Jesus into this world!  To do battle with an enemy who constantly overcomes his people and to re-set the original intent for a personal relationship with God as was first enjoyed by Adam.   Understand this restoration process and purpose of Christ took steps as the scriptures tell us and did not take place overnight.  It started with the birth, death, resurrection, and finally the ascension.  Too many people are going right from birth to resurrection ignoring the most difficult but possibly the most rewarding step.  Death! Only through death can one step back and examine themselves for who they are and who they were.

Christ is the clear example of what a Christ follower’s life should look like.  I often hear Christians talk about the "glorious death" of Jesus and although that may be true in some respect and great reason for rejoicing, what about the not so glorious part of His death and why forgetting about this pivotal part is directly related to why we sometimes fail to be over comers.   I'm all about living in victory or in the "glorious death mentality" like the next guy but honestly I've learned  and am still learning that there is no victory without accepting some wounds, wearing a few battle scars, and learning from my mistakes.

Let's dig a little....

The scripture tell us in 1 Peter 2:21 "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps"(NIV).  So if suffering is a form of example left by Christ, then why is skipping this part of the process in His death so challenging and least discussed?   Why do Christians tend to invert their struggles while those who are not saved where them on their sleeves?  If Christ suffered publicly and openly in front of the world, then why shouldn't we?  Truth is, we take what I believe is one of our best qualities, failure, and turn what should be a learning experience into an excuse rock to hid under.   We spend more time crafting up ways to throw others off the scent of our failures then simply asking for help, prayer, and even a warm hug.  God forbid we become accountable to someone and have the courage to suffer out loud!  We should be proud to be an example of a suffering people to this lost and dying world.  

Blessings,
Allen