Men of the Cross - Tactical Diversions

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 6:12

As one called into the service of Christ, I have come to realize this truth, "we are at battle with a very deceptive enemy." As our nation battles over seas in the nation of Iraq, we are given daily news of battlefield tactics used by the enemy and by friendly forces to mislead the other. A recent story of diversionary tactics used in the rescue of one of our captured soldiers provided a hint to spiritual diversionary tactics used by the enemy to mislead us away from the true calling for our lives.

Tactical diversion, as the name implies, is the planned strategy of drawing ones attention away from a legitimate need. Diversions come in many packages, from simply shouting "Look over there" to more subtle attempts such as a "great opportunity" to good to pass up. Regardless of the method, tactical diversion is a reality of spiritual warfare and our daily march in the Lords army.

One such tactical diversion recently presented itself in my life. I share it here as an example of the subtleties of our adversary and how the true direction of the Lords will was brought back into focus.

Recently, our pastor asked me to consider leading a men's ministry. Since I had been participating in such a group and believed strongly in this type of ministry, it seemed to confirm the Lords leading in this area. In the weeks that followed, the Lord provided continued vision for this ministry and His plans to encourage and disciple men to a deeper walk with Him.

Shortly after this, a situation presented itself at my employer that seemed to be a fantastic opportunity. The opportunity would allow me to use my technical talents to serve in a new area of our company and in a project with much notoriety. Things came together quickly and soon it became obvious that if this opportunity panned out, it would require a high likelihood of extensive travel. My initial thought was, "How exciting to be involved in a high profile project with a top notch development team."

That evening, my wife and I had dinner with a couple from church. Over dinner, I shared the opportunity to be involved in this technical project. Later that evening I also shared about the men's ministry opportunity. As we took a short break from the conversation, I felt the Lord bring to mind the conflict of the job opportunity vs. the ministry opportunity. I knew I had made a huge mistake by not bringing the job opportunity before the Lord, instead, I had simply moved in the flesh. In reflecting upon the day, I realized I had been distracted from the Lords direction and had been swept away with a plan to get involved in a project that only days before had not presented an opportunity at all.

The Lord made it clear, I needed to get things back on track according to His purposes for my life. First thing Monday morning, I wrote my boss a note and explained the mistake I had made. If being involved in this project required prolonged time away from home, then I needed to bow out of the project completely.

In retrospect, I realized this valid opportunity had tempted me to follow my interest of technology, along with the notoriety to be involved in a high profile project and lastly the sense of adventure to travel. Each of these decisions revolved around "me" and my priorities not the Lords. Each was a subtle diversionary tactic with one major implication, neglecting the call the Lord had placed on my life to minister to men. Like so many slippery slopes, this one started with good intentions but subtly degraded towards selfishness.

Looking for a few good men

The Lord is looking for a few good men that will completely and unselfishly offer their lives up to His service. For many of us, He has entrusted families, ministries and other people who we are to pour our lives into. If we take notice of what the Bible says, we are in a battle with an adversary that is willing to use any tactic necessary to get us off track of the Lords purposes for our lives.

I leave you with this parting thought, never rush into a decision unless you run it by God. Be sensitive to His voice and His leading in your life. If you make a mistake, confess it before Him and get things back on track as the Lord directed. Seek wise counsel for decisions that influence others.

I pray that this article help you as you pursue His purposes in your life!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. – Ephesians 6:10-11


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