Champions for Christ

A young teacher told her class of small children that she was an atheist. She asks her class if they were atheists too. Not really knowing what atheism is, but wanting the teacher to like them they all raised their hands. However, one girl name Lucy did not raise her hand. The teacher asked her why she wanted to be different.
“Because I’m not an atheist,” said Lucy.
“What are you then,” asked the teacher.
“I’m a Christian,” answered Lucy.
The teacher a little perturbed asked Lucy why she was a Christian.
“Well, I was brought up knowing and loving Jesus. My mom is a Christian, and my dad is a Christian, so I am Christian.”
The teacher now angry said, “That’s no reason. What if your mom was a moron, and you dad was a moron. What would you be then?”
Lucy answered, “I’d be an atheist.”

Lucy is a Champion for Christ. In Webster’s Dictionary the definition of a champion is, “one who fights for another or for a cause; a defender.” We read in Ephesians, about the armor of God and being able to stand our ground against evil.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” (Ephesians 6:13; NIV)

The knights of the Middle Ages were the champions for the king. They were the defenders of the kingdom. They were the ones to go into battle on behalf of the king. Many times two kingdoms would compete against each other by pitting the two champions of the kings against each other. Today the soldiers who defend our freedoms are champions. Those men and women who served during World War II, to fight back the Nazis and Japan were champions not just for America, but for the world. The men and woman of the Vietnam War who went to battle in the jungles to fight communism were champions. The men and women who are fighting against terrorist in places like Afghanistan and Iraq are champions today.

We are call to be like the knights and soldiers by putting on our spiritual armor and to go into battle. It is not a literal battle. We do not put on an actual breastplate or carry a sword. We do not need stock piles of weapons or military commanders. It is a battle for the hearts and minds of every soul. Satan is fighting against us to steal as many souls for himself as he can, and if he can take a few Christians with him as well, then all the better. We must be ready to die for this cause. We should be willing to lay down our life for Christ, as Christ laid down his for us. God calls us not to be afraid, but courageous.

“Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with your wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9; NIV)

Cassie Bernall is known as the Columbine student who died confessing her faith. She was asked if she believed in God. Instead of say no and saving her life, she said yes and was killed. She was a Champion for God. What would you do if your were faced with the question to deny God and live? While most of us will never have to face that questions, how many times do we have opportunities to be Champions for Christ, but fail because of political correctness.

I think sometimes it is easier to stand tall when it is life and death, but it can be a lot harder to not let yourself fall into the trap of political correctness. We can’t be afraid if we offend someone. We must fight the big issues. As Christian we must stand up for the unborn. Abortion is wrong and we must be willing to say so. We must stand up for marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman. We must not lay down and let what God has made to be torn down. We must make our voices heard and not let over zealous judges say “Under God” is a prayer, so children can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance in school. As Christians we must stand for the weak, the sick, the ones without a voice. We cannot be afraid. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “We have nothing to fear, but fear it-self.“ As Christians we don’t even have fear to fear, because through Christ all things are possible and He will see you through anything.

We may never have to choose to lay down our life for Christ, but everyday we have the opportunity to be Christ’s Champions, by professing Jesus to those around us. We can’t say that we are not allowed to talk about religion at work. If someone is asking about Christ or if someone is denouncing Him, we must defend Christ and tell others of His love. We must tell the family and friends we love that don’t know Jesus about Him. We can’t be afraid that we might loose friendships, if we talk about Jesus. In reality what kind of friend are you really if you are not telling them the Good News of Jesus.

Friends let us be Champions for Christ. Let us be bold and unafraid.