War Machine

“He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” –Psalm 18:34, NRSV

For many seasons coaching soccer, I have tried to creatively use culture to introduce scripture and speak life and encouragement to the kids. For several seasons I centered on superhero themes and gave them all character names on the back of their jerseys, landing on the fact that a hero is a servant, and that the only real “superhero” is Jesus Christ who was the ultimate servant.

One season I had a kid selflessly give up his “Iron Man” title which he wore for several seasons prior, so another kid could have his pick. When I handed out the jerseys—his with the name “War Machine” on the back—His mom was furious. She texted me after practice (something along the lines of) “We’re Christians and we don’t condone violence.”

And I regret that I missed my opportunity to train and teach, expending far too much focus and energy biting my tongue and reigning in my ego.

But truth is, we are at war: A holy, spiritual war (Eph 6:12). And what better title for a Christian that is experienced with his combat armaments, who knows his position standing beside brothers, and who is ever on his knees before His commander (Eph 6:13-18).

“For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards, for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.” –2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NET

Be proud of the title, and wage holy war!