Why you've been selected for Special Forces
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 1:02PM "They free the oppressed...They win hearts and minds...They assure support."
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Would you rather have a police squad or a special ops unit protect you?
It depends upon the context, doesn't it? Each is appropriate for different situations: You don't need Delta Force to protect your town, your local parks, or inner cities, generally. You do need Delta Force to locate and take-down Al-Quaeda and insurgency groups who are able to exact large-scale destruction over mass populations, or who can infiltrate high-level targets within our borders.
The kind of tactical force you need depends upon the story going on. If you believe we're living in Lake Wobegon, you need not be concerned with the hazards of living in that story -- save for the gossip flowing from the pulpit of Our Lady of Perpetual Responsibility.
However, if you believe the unfolding Story that God has invited us into more accurately represents Tolkein's Lord of the Rings, or Marc Bowden's Black Hawk Down, then you'll need a different missional vehicle -- you'll need Special Forces watching your back. God has an enemy, and therefore you do. God's enemy is never people: his Enemy is the one who fell from heaven, and the angels that fell with him.
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Here's the unnerving news: you've been assigned to Special Forces. God could use the angelic forces, and he does; but he quite specifically chooses you. Your unique capacities and the effect of your presence there is directly related to the needs of the unit, and to the outcome of the Story.
Furthermore, each gender has been selected, and every generation as well.
What do you bring?
Story, calling, context, special ops in Unique niche, calling, identity, mission, story Permalink
Reader Comments (6)
Hey Jim,
Thanks for always including us girls. We are usually overlooked in "Churchianity" as you say. I like your message here better than the ones churches offer..."You are part of the body of Christ (true so far)...so do your part so the rest of the body can do its part (huh?)" Usally the missions in churches are not as you describe them. it is about bringing stuff to a potluck and stacking chairs...blah blah.... I am yet to encounter a church that gets the big picture.
Meredith
Well, Meredith -- when I acknowledge women's role in the Great Story -- I mean that they can help with dishes and clean-up after the men do all the hard work.
Just joking!
Your point about many church's invitation to involvement is right on. It's not really a very dangerous story, if the best that's called out of us is membership on the Property Committee.
I think we (Christians) are often woefully unaware of the "real" battle going on. We're caught up in the Matrix of our daily (and sometimes benign) lives and then when we get slammed -- we're surprised and taken down. I struggle with this concept of daily battle because it's not visible. But, I armor up anyway!
And, women, have a unique role as special operations forces! We have the ability to multi-task, manage details and logistics and protect life in the process. We also can kick some serious butt (spiritually speaking, of course!!)
Jim, it's so funny.A while back I was on a kick of reading books based on special forces.
It came to me (or I guess the Lord showed me) that we are in the special forces. In the SF, they dress like the civilians, but htey carry a gun. They eat what the locals eat, act the way the locals act all in an effort to with their hearts.
The other thing is sf's are small numbers. Not big numbers.
COol stuff.
Hey Matt!
Yeah, small, highly-specialized units. That's how the American Colonists beat the British regiments who refused to break formation.
Hey Jim....
Ha ha ha You kill me! :0) By the way, I am sooooo telling Lynn AND your maidservants! :0) I do find the men-folk helpful in carrying my shopping at the mall :0)
Lynn.... I can kick actual butt, too. I can Tae Bo someone...ha ha ha....:0)
Meredith