I love declarations.
Sometimes I feel that if I repeat the truth loud enough, to a situation or fear, the atmosphere changes. During these times, the words take on a rhythm and cadence. Emotions begin to intensify. When things don’t make sense, this is my weapon of choice.
One of these declarations that I have returned to from time to time is found at the end of 1st Corinthians in the 16th chapter, verses 13 & 14.
“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong. Do everything in love.”
I am still moved and disrupted by the almost military nature of these words. In my mind I see a battalion commander on a white horse, sword drawn, riding up and down the ready line encouraging his troops. Hard not to get fired up with all that purpose and focus. But then, as though to halt the momentum, there’s verse 14.
“Do everything in love.”
At first reading, it almost seems out of place. To connect the dots, we need to consider Gods sacrificial love, the type that puts the needs of others ahead of our own, desiring their best. For us to love like this, we must be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and be strong, in everything – verse 13. In other words, I believe one depends on the other and if we are to do both well, we need to start doing both.
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2nd Corinthians 10: 3 & 4.
Choose your weapon, declare, be moved, do everything in love.
About the Photo
I took the photo of the figurines and card early December last year after receiving them as a gift from Cindi. The castings have significance for us both. These special soldiers currently reside directly to the left of my home office, affectionately called “The Lab.”
The term bazooka comes from an extension of the word “bazoo,” which is slang for mouth. During WWII, “bazooka” became the universally applied nickname due to its vague resemblance to a musical instrument of the same name invented and popularized in the 1930’s. Also, it takes two to operate.
Be a bazooka.
Very timely and a great reminder, “Gods sacrificial love, the type that puts the needs of others ahead of our own, desiring their best.” That’s a tough act to follow especially when my desire is to crush lies and fear with truth. But truth without love can be an empty vessel.
What an incredible encouragement to today’s society. Godly manhood, or even godly character, is something our society deeply craves. It is rare to see anything done in love (without a personal agenda) these days. Aside of being created to have relationship with our creator, we are also called to be Jesus to a world that is being ravaged by deception and in turn participate in the expansion of God’s kingdom here.
My take away is Jesus is King and servant. He has been clothed with all power and might but chose not to show it off but to show us how to serve. This is demonstrated in Jn 13 when Jesus was told by the Father He has been given all power, and is coming back to the Father and Jesus response was incredible: He humbly washed the disciples feet.
Thx Tim for sharing how great our Lord and Savior is!!
I will read anything you write!
These things you’ve written here have been on my heart for some time. “We do not wage war as the world does…” and “love is not self-seeking…” It’s so out of this world, holy, other-than, simple yet complex. Love is so perfectly defined by Jesus, His Word and yet without formula, which is the cause for us to stand firm in the faith, to hear the Holy Spirit so we can love rightly. You’re making me want to write a new blog post!
Thank you Holly! Love your heart and insights. By all means, write a new blog post…for us!