April 2024
Offense or Defense?
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
The madness and entertainment of the March basketball tournaments are wrapping up. Basketball fans were entertained as they witnessed the rise and fall of the greatest teams in the NCAA. Like all sporting events, there has been plenty of commentary on strategy, offense, and defense. The long-standing debate continues about what is most important to the success of a team. Is it a great offense or a great defense? Jack Dempsey once said, “The best defense is a good offense.” As a boxer, I think Mr. Dempsey had a keen understanding that both are required for success. However, executing a strong offensive strategy keeps your opponent on their heels and puts you in a position of strength.
As we walk through life, we experience a variety of different seasons. Some easy, some hard, some enjoyable, and some flat-out debilitating. It is the battles that we must prepare for the most. Ephesians 6:13-17 (EVS) says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as shoes for your feet, having put the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” This short passage is packed with strategy. Each piece of symbolic armor represents a critical portion of our preparation. While some pieces of armor could be used to strike an opponent, armor is designed to protect. However, there is one component of the passage that I believe most would understand as an offensive weapon. Unfortunately, it is one component that is frequently forgotten or underestimated in its strength. The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, seems to be lost in many people’s strategy. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and Spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” In a battle, forward movement is critical. Standing in the same place or moving backward, while sometimes necessary for short durations, is associated with losing the fight. It is forward movement that will give us the victory. Focusing only on protection and defense is not the answer according to the scripture. The sword of the Spirit should be our most valued weapon.
We live in a generation and country in which the Bible is readily available to most. However, many do not understand the importance of its contents or application. Our thoughts and beliefs are often based on other people’s opinions, experiences, or teachings. While this model can be healthy if the people that are pouring into us are indeed aligned with the truth found in God’s word. It can be devastating if the opposite is true. The commitment to sharing factual and truthful information seems to have been replaced by the large desire to please people. In fact, I find myself wondering who or what to believe sometimes. However, there is good news! You have access to the ultimate guide of truth, encouragement, and wisdom, the Bible. As you learn and speak God’s word into your situations and the lives of others, you are exercising a powerful weapon. Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) says, “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. God’s word is powerful and always produces results. Don’t just take other people’s words for the lessons and battles in life; read for yourself and apply what you learn. Only then will you be setting yourself up for success with a strong offense in any battle you may face.
Challenge: Understand that the entire armor of God, as described in Ephesians, is important. However, don’t neglect your primary offensive weapon, the Word of God. Read, study, share, and apply it daily. Only then, will you develop a true understanding of God’s love and plan for your life.
Published: April 1, 2024
