FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
HOLY WARRIORS
(Part 63)
FAILING IN HOLINESS
January 27, 2020
Today’s readings:
2 Samuel 5:1-10
Psalm 89:20-26
Mark 3:22-30
We are engaged in intense spiritual war, and God calls us to be holy warriors. Then within the army there are those who are leaders over the warriors. Such was the case with the Israelites. “I have set a leader over the warriors; I have raised up a chosen one from the people.” (Ps 89:20b). God chose David. “I have chosen David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him.” (Ps 89:21).
With the army that is MFC, God also raises up many leaders over the warriors. God chooses and anoints them. He anoints them with holy oil. They are supposed to be holy warriors. If they are holy warriors, then God is with them and the victory is assured. “My hand will be with him; my arm will make him strong. No enemy shall outwit him, nor shall the wicked defeat him.” (Ps 89:22-23). Notice: the enemy cannot win over him, if the enemy is wicked and he is holy. If it is a clear conflict between evil and good, between darkness and light, the outcome is assured, in favor of God’s holy warrior.
But there are among God’s warriors and their leaders those who fail in holiness. They become unholy warriors, and as such, have become the enemy within.
First, there are those who lack integrity.
* Those who are after personal power or glory.
* Those who renege on commitments.
* Those who say one thing but do another.
* Those who misuse community finances, which belong to God.
Second, there are those who cause strife, dissension and division within the ranks. This is serious wrongdoing, since “if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” (Mk 3:25). If that happens to the army, how will it be strong enough to overcome the enemy?
How do leaders fall into this sin?
* When they slander or malign fellow leaders in times of disagreement or conflict. At times they even accuse them of doing the work of the enemy. “He is possessed by Beelzebul.” (Mk 3:22a).
* When they judge a brother and attribute the conflict to the wrong done by the other party, but often seeing the splinter but missing the plank in their own eye. In judging, since we are all supposed to be holy warriors, then they are in effect saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mk 3:30).
* When they start to build factions, making subordinates look to them rather than to the well-being of the whole community.
But if we are holy warriors, then we can experience the same anointing poured out on David. “David became ever more powerful, for the Lord of hosts was with him.” (2 Sm 5:10). Then, as we engage in God’s war, we are assured of His victory. “I will crush his foes before him, strike down those who hate him. My faithfulness and mercy will be with him; through my name his horn will be exalted.” (Ps 89:24-25).
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