The Safety of The Herd

Commitment

The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.

Vince Lombardi 1913-1970, American Football Coach

Eph 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. NASU

Yesterday we spoke of the importance of growth, and how the newborn calf on the plains of Africa had to find his legs quickly to avoid the dangers that surrounded him in this new world in which he was born into. This world cares not that he is a newborn, the moment he is born he is in a struggle for his life, and only the strong, only those that quickly find their feet will survive. That young animal was designed by God in a certain way that enabled him to run quickly, and for him to ignore that design is always quick and certain death.

Thomas Carlyle, the Scottish Philosopher, once said this in speaking of those who refused to fully commit their lives, “A person with half volition goes backwards and forwards, but makes no progress on even the smoothest of roads.” In a spiritual sense, there is much more at stake when we are not progressing in our walk with Christ. It usually means that we are walking our own path, and trying out our own design for living instead of staying in the safety of God’s plan for us.

We as Christians need to develop more of a herd mentality. There is safety in numbers, and when we are committed to a local body of believers we will find the protection and strength that we need to survive. Paul warns us today that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. In other words, you and I can’t see all of the enemies that desire to eat our lunch today; they are “spiritual forces.” It takes training and maturity to fight these battles against invisible forces. Maybe that’s why Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:26 “Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air.”

There is safety for the young calf in the midst of the herd, if, he will follow mom there, and that is where we are safe also. You and I are not strong enough to face these rulers of spiritual darkness in, “high” places alone; we need the protection of the Body of Christ. This was God’s plan all along, and I don’t care how big, or bad, or smart anyone may think that they may be, they will not make it without being with the rest of the herd, in the Body of Christ…God Bless.

Pastor William