Life of a Christian – Defensive and Offensive

Have you ever watched your favorite soccer team play and you noticed that they neither win nor lose? Sounds contradictory, right? Well in soccer, it is possible for a team to “draw” in their games; meaning both teams have the same number of total score and therefore no one wins. There is a particular soccer team that this happens to quite often. This team is typically known as a defensive team; when they sense danger from the opposing team, they defend their goal post at all cost. It is very likely that this team would win more games if they practice being on the offensive side. 

Similarly, many Christians live life on the defensive side; ready to protect themselves at all cost only when under attack. They only remember to pray or study The Word when they are in danger, which at this point might be a little too late to prevent the inevitable. As believers in Christ, we need to switch from our defensive stance to the offensive. We should always be ready for battle because the bible tells us in John 10:10 that ‘The thief (devil) comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy…”. Thus, we must not wait for him to attack us before we go on the offensive.

Soldiers are frequently trained to prepare for battle. They are also trained to keep their equipment in battle-ready condition; weapons are cleaned and oiled; and helmets are kept in close proximity in case of sudden attacks. If we prepare so diligently to face a human enemy, Paul says, how much more ought we to prepare for battle against our spiritual enemy? Satan will attack, he says, and only the believer who is grounded in the truth will recognize his lies. Only the believer who has prepared will become victorious. If, by faith, we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior, He can protect our hearts from Satan’s temptations. Only the Word of God and the power of Jesus Christ can cause Satan to flee in terror. Are you fully equipped for the battle? Don’t prepare for battle on the day of attack, rather equip yourself by preparing daily for the inevitable attack that will come.

Prayer: Father God, help me to live my life from an offensive stance, so that Satan will tremble in fear when he attempts to sway me away from you. Let me be bold and confident in confronting my problems head-on. Help me to study your word daily so that I can equip myself appropriately for the battle to come.

Writer: Jude Akinleyimu Jr.