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Christians are called to be both leaders and servants, "kings and priests" (Rev 1), in our spheres of influence.

Leading by example

In the pre-modern era of warfare the most successful leaders led by example at the front of the fighting.

History celebrates the achievements of mankind's most accomplished blood soaked killers (Alexander, Ceasar, Gengis Khan et al) who inspired those around them by their decisive presence and involvement.

There was a blood soaked healer who also famously led by example. In contrast to those other "great" men, this individual inspired his followers to go further: "He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 5)

The Battle

While our calling involves the most fulfilling joys, it is probably the most difficult calling at times, made almost impossible when we refuse to engage with the nature of the battle that surrounds us. The consequences are the needlessly wounded and those taken captive, who unknowingly wreak merry havoc within the church, as well as Christians who are "dying" and, over time, have their faith leached and ground to a pittance.

"You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2)

There are three key interrelated elements to being "a good soldier".

1)"Know who you are fighting for"

Building your relationship with God through the word, prayer and worship.

Remembering the simple genius of a statement: "Its not about you" (R Warren).

2)"Know who you are"

Understand and build your sense of identity in Christ and the authority that it brings to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give".

3)"Know your enemy"

The strategies and tactics to distract, demotivate and disable your ministry have a vast multitude of precedents, are often predictable and always defeatable so long as you don't try to go it alone.

Developing a healthy "battle-awareness" is vital to avoid the following symptoms of the wounded, captive and dying:

1)Whinging

Its the imperfections in our own vision that magnify the imperfections of others.

2)Hypocrisy

We need to close the distance between our words and actions like the closing of the waters of the red sea, which also has a devastating effect on our enemies too.

3)Judgmentalism

Being swift to form judgements on others and all too ready to share them.

Conclusion

As "kings and priests", we are fighting a battle and have a mandate to turn the wounded, captive and dying into the healed, free and re-vitalised: "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons".

Many of the wounded receive their wounds via the hands of Christians that lack this "battle-awareness".