Have you ever had someone come at you with harm as his or her intent? If so, you’ve been confronted with a very important question. Is this a flight or fight situation?
I’ve heard people say they are lovers and not fighters. They want peace, not war. King David was that type of man. Psalm 120:7 clearly reveals his innermost desires. The problem however, was simple. Those who wanted war surrounded David. They wanted to fight! They didn’t want peace! David’s story reveals he was a man who loved God but was also a great warrior. He was both, a lover and a fighter!
I’m a promoter of the ‘flight’ response if at all possible but realize there are times when the ‘fight’ response is necessary. I say this not out of cowardice but wisdom. If a fight can be avoided and the right goals succeed, it is best.
When you must fight, however, the right weapons can bring victory.
Paul the Apostle addresses this issue in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. “The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God…Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.” MSG
The tools or weapons God uses aren’t your typical type. They aren’t designed to help you carry out revenge like Dirty Harry. They won’t help you to fight fire with fire and they can’t be used for your own personal vendettas. The weapons given by God will bring forgiveness, freedom and fullness when used properly.
Of all the weapons we have received, I think ‘Truth’ is among the top ten. In Ephesians 6 when Paul is talking about warfare he tells us to make sure we have truth on our side whenever we encounter opposition and need to fight. He likens it to a belt which when buckled around the waist keeps everything together and in place.
A marriage between a man and woman will fall apart if truth doesn’t reign in the relationship. A business venture will fail if it isn’t based upon truth. An argument founded upon a lie will never turn out well.
“Speak the ’truth’ in love” is what the Bible tells us to do. When you speak the truth, it has the power to break through the opponent’s facade. When you speak the ‘truth in love’ it has the power to build the opponent’s character. Everyone wins.
Truth can hurt but in the end it’s worth embracing. A doctor’s knife may cause pain but when the cancer is removed, the joy is overwhelming.
When you speak the truth at the right time, in the right way and with the right attitude the results will be freedom. It may not stop the battle but it will free you in the midst of the battle.
We all live in a world that requires us to fight. You must fight against depression, which comes frequently. You must fight the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness that comes when you hear the daily news. You must fight to keep your head above water when your dreams are shattered and disappointments abound. When you fight, make sure you know the truth about God. He’s on your side.
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