A.C.T.s

A.C.T.s

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

2Timothy [MKJV] 2:1-5 Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No one who wars tangles with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier.  And also if anyone competes, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully.

  Behind the wheel of a behemoth DeSoto 4 door sedan, the Driver Training class at North Harford High School was basic peddle and point *stuff.

  I’m fortunate in having my Dad teach me to drive. Dad went beyond the basics. His style of driving instruction later became popularly known as defensive driving. Though never a Boy Scout (I was) he was definitely all about Be Prepared. My uncles, especially Gordon Bevan, always said “It’s better to have it when you don’t need it . . . then to need it and not have it!” Later when I was privileged to spend considerable time with many Christians that were in the military, they spoke of it as ACT, Advance Combat Training; “Playing in the sandbox.” Dad even made me do skids and spinouts with our 1.5 ton non-synchro 4 gear transmission non-hydraulic braked Dodge flatbed truck.

  I’m convinced drivers should mentally rehearse and wherever feasible physically practice a variety of safety drills. I even go so far, our society now with the knowledge of numerous collisions as the result of distracted driving, to suggest blindfolded training. Not while in motion of course, but while vehicle is immobile. Do so yourself first, then urge your spouse and teens definitely do so until radio, heater & AC, and all other dashboard controls can be operated without looking at the switches . . . without taking your eyes off the road. (In the military soldiers are blindfolded and required to disassemble and reassemble equipment.)

  What does this have to do with believers though? Since Eden we are in combat. (Rom.12:21; 2Cor.10:3)

  As Christians at war, we should not neglect or fumble equipping, but are to be knowledgeable of and skilled in the use of the provision of our Master. (1Cor.3:2; 2Tim.2:15; Heb.5:12),

  Hear our order of preparation: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Eph.6:10-20)

  Heed our main weapon: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb.4:12)

  It is imperative that we study, practice, drill, restudy, keep at hand and be honed by, or when sudden challenge comes we will not be able to meet the requirement of sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts. It is our responsibility to be prepared whether in calm or storming, always able to give answer to every man that asks us for the reason of the confident anticipation that is in us; humbly pointing out sin, patiently warning and encouraging people. (1Pet.3:15; 2Tim.4:1-2) 

  Whether to agreeably ACT or not is always our personal decision. (1Cor.3:11-15)

 EBB4 (Originally written Friday, October 28, 2011)

*Parked or mobile we weren’t allowed to touch switches or auxiliary controls.