The scene of the epic civil battle was in place. A night of cheering and rooting on the team. The modern gladiators, the heroes of the day, lived a life, fought a battle. Vicariously onlookers had expressions of their hearts played out. Those whose flame only flicker in the entertainment of a mock war.

I grieved as I watched many men in the airport returning from games to their lives. My heart sank and I asked the Lord what am I seeing and feeling?

He stated clearly "Warriors without a battle."

These men were sick with the signs of stagnation. A civilized nation's pursuit of comforts, leisure and luxuries. Extreme sports, violent surreal movies and endless games all played out before the eyes and minds of soldiers without a cause. The virility that strengthens a man's bone was wasted on hollow adrenaline rushes from a mock war. 

We were created warriors. Our heart beats for the crusade thrives with conquest. In the true battle only our eternal Commander and Chief can give the marching orders but I wonder if He simply isn't heard. Is our direction fixated on self-pursuit? On our pleasure? On our will? Our own cause?

We're dead men walking. Battles are raged to the wind, and the fight takes our breath but leaves our souls and spirits vanquished. 

Just Another Arena

The operations of the religious also have rules of engagement. Vulgar words, dicey movie scenes mixed with blood and guts may not be the offensive because of an R rating. Yet a more destructive field of blood gains their attention. "We're children of the King" so this gives us obvious first position, right?

Self appointed "generals" clash over self-exalted opinions. Doctrine sharpened dogmas are crafted into weapons of war. Nonetheless these implements are simply wooden, fashioned from the tree of Good and Evil. And superiority as a spear lacerates anyone who opposes.

Bludgeoning with the club of rules and regulations. These religious fighters attack with "The Law", traditions and standards. This battle is not more real, just a different arena, supposedly more noble. Too long, too short, too much, too little, all opinions fused with the God-given instinct to wage war. The causalities laid waste: a friend, co-worker or family members all bear the scares of misguided passion.

Yet this hunger for blood is more dastardly. It is RIGHT, not just a game. This warrior has exalted himself above the Most High and is supported by the one who is "LIKE a roaring lion."

We are warriors. We will fight and campaign. The drive for the expedition will not be denied. Our choice is which arena. The mythical war or the Kingdom conflict. Which one will gain our allegiance? Both vie for the spot.

 
Copyright ©  John Enslow