Guard that flag!
posted by on 05/29/07
A few weeks ago I happened to be reflecting on the games of capture the flag we had with friends in Virginia. As long as a flag is well guarded, the game can actually seem pointless. Suddenly a new perspective struck me: Satan feels the “game” is pointless when our hearts are well guarded! A courageous brother in Christ once said that Proverbs 4:23 was the most important verse in the whole book of Proverbs. The other verses and commands in Proverbs are really either a part of it or inconsequential without it. Do you know what it says?
My heart is just like the flag: what good would it do me to gain the whole world and lose my own soul? What could I give in exchange for my soul? Do we watch and defend our hearts with the same energy and care that we would guard the flag in a game? As in Capture the Flag, one method Satan uses is speed. Another is stealth. One is to try to get us to focus in one direction while he sneaks up or runs in from another, or to stop the pressure temporarily so the defender becomes slack and helpers go away. Have you noticed Satan using these tactics in your life?
Does it sometimes seem impossible to guard the flag without helpers? By staying openly accountable with others, we not only get more help in guarding our hearts, but they receive the same help in their own struggles.
Correctly guarding the flag is abiding in Christ. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand…. I and My Father are one.” Guard that flag! Abide in Christ!
I remember playing Capture the Flag at the Wilkes; it was physically exherting and extremely challenging. And it was a super long game too. Analogies between guarding your heart and Capture the Flag are bountiful! It takes constant work and endurance to guard our hearts. Thanks Michael for taking the time to write out the creative wisdom of this analogy as it has reminded me to continue to see all things, even a challenging game, from God’s perspective.
Hey Michael, nice analogy. Shows that you can have fun and learn what God tells us to do in his word! Keep it up =)
Amen brother! That resonates in my heart. And what better tactic against the wiles of our enemy do we have than the effective offense you described! I really like the analogy.
If I’m continuing instant in prayer, discipling of others, and meditation on God’s Word, there is little room for the attacks of the enemy. Dr. Gary Smalley delivered an excellent message on this thought at the ATI conference. He simply fills all the time he can with meditation and is enthused with the powerful results!
Amen, Michael! “[Guard] thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”! This is just what Mr. Gothard has been emphasizing a lot recently in our staff meetings. Picture your heart as having many doors (music, friends, activities, etc.). As Josh pointed reaffirmed, the Scriptures we engraft into our lives are the guards that keep each opening protected. Let’s be vigilant to take each thought captive!
Thank you all for your very encouraging and insightful comments! Yes, I must agree that the results of meditation on God’s Word are always powerful. I must be more consistant! And what a great way of looking at our heart: the Scriptures we have engrafted are the guards at the doors. Thank you for sharing that Robert!