How To Develop The Mind Of A Warrior
I know a few men who confuse boldness with "being bad." These men
were raised by domineering mothers who didn't understand the natural
aggressiveness of boys, and shut their boys down hard, basically
emasculating them.
Perhaps you're not as bad off as this. But all of us have been wimpy at
times. And we're tempted to lose courage when we think about speaking up
in public, enduring opposition, or sacrificing for an important cause.
For me, the key to my growth was establishing my identity in Jesus
Christ, believing the truth, and acting on it. Here are some of my Bible
favorite verses that have helped me develop the mind of a warrior, from
the New Living Translation:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power,
love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor
so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the
devil. (Ephesians 6:10, 11)
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. (James
1:22)
Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my
fingers skill for battle. (Psalm 144:1)
"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and
night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then
will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong
and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8,9)
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against
Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. You have not
yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against
sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as
sons, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor
faint when you are reproved by Him..." (Hebrews 12:3-5)