As the seasons turn from winter to spring, an annual commotion draws near. This month long hysteria known as March Madness serves as a drug for college basketball enthusiasts. When you look beyond the brackets, politics and officiating, you’ll find amazing performances, buzzer beaters and even Cinderella. Although offense is more entertaining, defense wins championships. If a team can possess both, their squad becomes an impenetrable fortress on their way to the Final Four.
In life, roles are often reversed. Arrogance, pride and over confidence lull people to sleep spiritually. Instead of going on the offensive, many Christians resemble a goalie being bombarded with balls and pucks, trying to secure a daily shutout. However, in the game of life, if you only play defense, you’ll never score. This feeble strategy results in exhaustion, mental fatigue and emotional burnout, leading to a spirit of defeatism.
In the days of the apostle Paul, the residents of Corinth were avid sports fans, the host of the Corinthian Games, an Summer Olympic like competition. This likely explains Paul’s use of athletic terminology in his 2 letters to the members of the Corinthian church. Trying to connect with their culture, Paul addresses a lack of offensive minded individuals. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Paul reveals why people are failing miserably, they’re not using the proper weapons. The key to game planning an offensive attack against the devil is through your mind, verse 5. As soon as you learn how to take each thought captive by making them obedient to Christ, you can begin demolishing spiritual strongholds. Paul’s further advice in Ephesians 6:10-11 is crucial if you want to begin seeing progress. Stop being one dimensional, play offense today!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 