Savage Warrior: Called to Be Rugged & RighteousSample

Day 2:

Body

We are three-part beings, created with a body, soul, and spirit. Our bodies are designated as the temple of the Holy Spirit, of which we are to be good stewards. Many Christian men are buttoned up in most areas and seem to have their "house" in order—with the exception of their physical bodies. The "body" compartment—labeled physical strength, capability, and fitness—of our segmented lives is often overlooked. Savage warriors aren’t physically flaccid or weak. Protecting and providing for our families, as well as for others who are less capable, requires our commitment and dedication to maintaining optimal physical health and competency.

When we think of a strong physical stature in the Bible, most often our initial reference is Samson. We know he was able to break free from the bondage Delilah administered with the string of cords on multiple occasions (Judges 16). He also destroyed the support pillars of the house of the Philistines with his bare hands, killing himself and everyone inside. There is something about developing and sustaining strength in our physical bodies that is noble, honorable, and necessary.

Not only are we called to cultivate physical resilience, but we are also responsible for maintaining purity and dominion as an act of worship. Purity requires abstinence from the defilement of our bodies in the form of lusts of the flesh. Our role as warriors requires consideration of the spiritual implications attached to our physical sin and immorality. Warriors also understand that obedience and discipline are essential to stability and consistency. Resisting temptation and denying fleshly desires outside of the marriage covenant is a crucial component of the savage warrior’s orders and directives.