I am not ashamed to admit it – I was moved to tears recently watching Andre Reed’s speech at his induction to the Pro Hall of Fame. I remember his playing days, as a wide receiver, with the Buffalo Bills. “I was known for my toughness, going across the middle, making the catch, breaking tackles,” Reed said. “But the toughest individual I’ve ever met in my life was Jim Kelly, No. 12.” This was nearly was 20 years after, Kelly as quarterback, had played his last game with Reed. Kelly has lost a son and now was bravely struggling with cancer. I lost it, crying like a baby. I ask myself,” why?” I guess, seeing the expression of camaraderie between men committing their best to the cause. It’s going out and “leaving it all on the field.”
It motivates me to give my best for the cause of Christ. I want to join with other men who will spur me on to be a warrior for Jesus in the encroaching cultural darkness, in which men are losing the battle, stumbling into confusion, alienation, despair and loneliness. Men are being wounded in the cultural wars. Who will come to their rescue? Men, we need to rescue our brothers out of darkness, committing ourselves to fight for their souls. The battle is between light and darkness. Listen to Paul exhortation. “You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true – these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it” (Eph. 5:8-10 – Message).
In my opinion, it will be warriors of light, who will best confront the ever encroaching darkness of godlessness in secular America. Listen again to Paul words; “It started when God said, ‘Light up the darkness!’ and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful” (II Cor 4:4 – Message). Image a group of men, gathered together, with their faces, unashamed, gazing upon the Lord Jesus, being filled with the wonder of his loving, affirming presence.
This kind of encounter will motivate men to be warriors of light. They know that through thick and thin, they can say with Jeremiah, “The Lord is with me like a mighty warrior” (Jer. 20:11). Knowing they are loved and cared for, men will be able to stand against the invading darkness. They will know the truth of I John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and his blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (I John 1:7). Knowing this kind of fellowship will get men out on the field, willing to give their best for Jesus. The primary manifestation of this kind of warrior will be a humble, loving heart that simply desire to reflect the presence of Jesus in all his affairs and relationships. The weapons of the warfare will be those of love and humility. Men, let’s get out on the field and leave it all out there.
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