Equipping the Warrior - Leadership Devotional for MenSample

Being A Warrior

Football is a violent sport. There’s no denying it. When 200 lb men, running at speeds of 15-20 miles per hour, smash into each other, it can produce almost a ton (2000 lbs) of tackling force. That’s a lot! And yet we watch. There is just something about it. We watch. Maybe it’s the glory of being an athlete. Or, the special awe of the man who, in the midst of an injury, wills his body to the field, drags himself physically, mentally and emotionally through a game which he has no business playing. He should be on the injury list, but yet, somehow, he’s pulled himself up from the deck to fight for victory...to fight for his team.

We revel in macho stories of heroism because warriors are revered. Warriors are esteemed. Warriors are remembered. Warriors may not always have a weapon but they ultimately say, “Here is something I love and hold dear. My family, my faith, my country. You are the enemy and you will not hurt what I love without going through me!”

Warriors fight physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually for something greater than themselves. They don’t always understand the consequences but they simply know they must fight. They want to win but they are dedicated to the fight. They know that without the fight, there IS no victory. So, warriors place themselves at risk in order to have a chance.

But, we just watch. We feel the urge and inkling of the warrior inside but we have become accustomed to watching. The adrenaline rush from watching our team win seems to satisfy the internal call. Our TVs and smartphones deliver the perfect placebo which dampens the sound. We are able to watch the war but we have become less willing to fight it. And yet, the war still takes place all around us. Our families are under attack. Our values are being threatened subtly and violently. Our focus is being diverted and we are sleeping on post.

Today, ask yourself the question, “What am I willing to fight for?”

There’s a battle, and it’s for your heart, your life, your family and your values. This battle IS for everything and the devil plays for keeps.

This is your call! You feel it. You seek to satisfy it. God made you that way because He knew you would have to fight. Now, it’s time to equip yourself as a man, as a father, as a leader, as a warrior.