Going in Blind

So tonight I played laser-tag with some guys from church that I am good friends with.  It was at a place here in town that has 3 different "arenas" to play in, and they come up with multiple games.  Only a couple of us had been before so everyone else was in effect coming in blind as they say.  Below are the steps to start the game...

1. Team SelectionWe started out in a large group, then the lady in charge had us divide ourselves into two teams, white and blue.  We didn't know what the mission was or what arena we were playing in, all we knew was what team we were on
2. Weapon SelectionThen we were told to go in the next room where we could select our weapon and be given instructions on what came next.
3. Get in PositionThen she opened the door and let us get to our "corner" or area where we would start.  As each game was different the strategy changed each time.
4. GAME ON!

On my drive home I couldn't help but think about this from a spiritual battle perspective.  The steps are very similar...

1. Team Selection (God, Church, Friends/Small Groups)We have the ability and gift of free will to "choose sides" in our lives.  We can choose to live for Christ or not.  While most people reading this may feel thats an easy decision, its not always that easy.  Sometimes you choose a side thinking you are choosing the right side, only to find out later it was not God, and now its much harder to "change teams."  Team selection is important though, because it tells you who and what you are fighting for.  The other part about team selection is the group of people you are going to battle with.  You can look around you and know who you can trust and depend on.  I can't stress enough the importance of church and more importantly small groups to do life with and count on.
2.  Weapons Selection (BIBLE)This is an important step, because regardless of what happens to your team you will always have your weapon by your side.  Your friends, church, etc. can't physically fire your weapon for you, you have to know it yourself and be able to protect yourself from attack with the weapon you have (the Bible).  The Word of God is a great weapon (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17).
3. Get in PositionVery similar to how we entered each arena during laser-tag, where we would stay fairly close to our team and find a safe place to attack from, so can you approach getting ready for battle with God.  Just like any battle, you would not go stand where in the heart of the enemy camp to start the battle.  God realized very quickly that it wasn't good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18).  So with your team, its important to start in the right place (we can call this church) and attack the world from there.  You know if you need to recharge, or go back to home-base, the church will be there to support you.
4. GAME ON! Trust me, there will be battles and you may not win them all, but with the right team and weapon you will continue to fight boldly with the confidence that God has come before you and won the war!

If you do these steps, I cannot guarantee you will never have struggles, or that you will never get hurt, but I can tell you that with the right team, weapon and preparation, as  I said before you have already won! Thanks to your leader, Jesus Christ, going before you.