Leadership: Without Violence

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…

2 Corinthians 3-5 (NKJV)

A bully is a weak man faking strength. A hero is a meek man showing strength. Like Jesus!

  • 'The Lamb of God' (John 1:29), Who turned 'The other cheek' (Matthew 5:39),

  • Who answered His attackers 'Not a word' (Matthew 27:14),

  • Who suffered without protest, 'On a tree' (Acts 5:30)!

Jesus, without Arms, Legs, Voice, or freedom… won mankind’s greatest victory EVER: 

'Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the Cross' (Colossians 2:15).

Consider one of His greatest lessons:

'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' (Ephesians 6:12).

So, if our fight is NOT against evil men, and…

  • If bad men are pawns of 'The evil one' (2 Thessalonians 3:3),

  • If Satan is fought by God’s Spirit,

  • Then, what help is physical violence?

Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, changed the “terms of engagement” for Christians! He gave us new clarity, strategy, authority, and God-powered weapons.*

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Violence isn’t simply HOT ACTION! More frequently, is all about HOT WORDS: CONDEMNATIONS! ACCUSATIONS!! INSULTS *!*

Consider what God says about insults:

'Whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hellfire' (Matthew 5:22).

Therein, dream-hating is serious stuff. Unfortunately, disparaging and discouraging words are sadly common in Christian churches:(

As media ambassadors for Christ, you’ve been chosen to set the record straight. With kind eyes, open arms, and gentle words, YOU CAN SHOW how the Lion of Judah is fundamentally the Prince of Peace.

Leadership: Without Violence (Part 26)

* 'Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you' (Luke 10:19).

* Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV - The Whole Armor of God - Finally, my - Bible Gateway

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban