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. 2
Corinthians 10:4-5.
Please note, the above scripture does not say, the weapons we talk about, that we read about, or
think about but rather, “the weapons we fight with.” Gentlemen, we are not a convenient
religious club or civic service club, but we are part of a Holy Order charged with sacred
duties…a word that seem to have lost it’s meaning in our 2026 “church life”. The requirement to
make disciples and to live sacrificial lives of service, though not prominent American Christian
Church teaching, has not been changed or altered by all of our conveniences and technology.
In his great book All In, Pastor Mark Batterson says: “When did we start believing that God
wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? Jesus did not die to keep us safe. He died to
make us dangerous. The will of God is not an insurance plan. It’s a daring plan. The complete
surrender of your life to the cause of Christ isn’t radical. It’s normal. It’s time to quit living as if
the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. It’s time to go all in and all out for the All in All!”
Warriors intuitively know that the use of their weapon is an acquired skill, as well as a
perishable skill…accordingly, that lethargy can be lethal. As men of the Cross, we must be
prepared to confront demonic forces with confidence, in the authority of the Word, and with skill
and wisdom of how to wield our weapon. We must walk worthy of our calling. YES! And we
desperately need each other—Who has your back? Who is your wingman? What is your
mission? Who is your leader? Is the passion of your life for sacrificial service for others or
endless self-consumption and reclining on the couch in your man-cave. Is there anything…faith,
family wife/children/grandchildren, country…that you are willing to sacrifice for, to give your
life…your heart and soul for? We must have clarity on this.
In closing, let’s look at these scriptures for direction: The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.
Exodus 15:3; Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes
with you. Deuteronomy 31:6 a, b; Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be
strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13; Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about
like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Resist him steadfast in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9;
and finally check out this standard that Paul set for us, I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day. 2 Timothy 4:7.
This last verse from Paul is clearly the heart cry of a spiritual warrior. I envision this warrior
standing victorious, nearly exhausted from the heat of battle, body marked with sweat and dirt,
and holding his sword, stained with the blood of vanquished enemies…nonetheless with a
distinct gleam in his eye! Brothers, this is how I want my movie to end, how about you?
Barney Barnes, 07-27-2026, Former Promise Keepers National Ambassador for the Military and Prisons