Offense vs.
Defense
Of’fense –
attack; assault; attempt to take ground
Of-fense’ –
a source of annoyance, displeasure, or anger
Our culture
has become a defensive culture. At the first hint of opposition we head for the
bunker, batten down the hatches, bar the door, so no one can hurt us with their
barbs hurled our way. We refuse to be exposed to negative agendas intent on
bringing us down to a lower level.
The
greatest challenge we face living life in the bunker is our inability to
effectively change the outcome of the conflict. As we lob our grenades to chase
off or destroy our attackers we cannot engage them in conversation that might
lead to a better outcome. My high school basketball coach told us repeatedly,
“The best defense is a good offense.” When you score points the pressure is
then placed on the opponent to match the score.
Even though
the church is not a competition to be weighed in the end by points, for or
against, our posture is determined by the approach we choose to take. Do we
attempt to take ground – offense, or do we hunker down and wait on Jesus –
defense?
Scripture
is clear.
Genesis 1:1
– In the beginning God created … - offense.
John 3:16 –
God so loved the world that He gave … - offense.
Matt. 16:18
- The gates of hell will not prevail against the church – offense.
John 12: 32
- If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto Me! – offense.
Rom. 10:9 -
Confess with your mouth, and believe in your heart … – offense.
Ministers
like Josh McDowell, and more recently, Kris Valloton, have shifted their
argument for encouraging people to wait until marriage to have sex. Touting the
evils of sex outside of marriage, including going to hell, is no longer a
deterrent to this behavior. Defense isn’t working. Instead, offense should be
the emphasis. Focus on the benefits of living a pure lifestyle. Realize that
God loves you and wants to provide a blessed life for you.
Joel Osteen
has come under fire for his “positive” gospel. To put it simply, he has taken
an approach of offense vs. defense. Instead of preaching condemnation for sin,
which everyone already knows they are condemned, he focuses on the grace of
God, the love of God, which, according to scripture, is what leads men to
repentance. (Rom. 2:4)
Craig Hill,
the author of the Ancient Paths seminars, teaches that blessing is God’s chosen
position to deal with His creation, not curses. Sin brings the curse. God does
not have to curse us. We were born cursed because of sin.
To counter
this curse in the earth, God introduced a process of blessing to bring people
back to proper fellowship with Him.
According
to Craig Hill, even when bringing correction make it based on behavior and
outcome. If you violate the “law” there will be consequences. If you stay in
fellowship you will enjoy the blessing. The goal then becomes staying in
fellowship, not obeying laws.
He gave the
example of a rebellious teenage son. His dad asked him to be home at a certain
time. He got home late. The next morning the dad greets him with, “Hello son.
Did you sleep well? I love you, son! I hope you have a great day.”
The son
then leaves the house to only return quickly, yelling, “Dad, the wheels of my
car are gone.”
The dad
calmly replies, “Oh, that. You see, having wheels on your car is a privilege,
not a right. Since you chose to not do as I asked, you will be walking for a
while. Have a great day son. I love you!”
Matt. 11:6
– And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Matt. 9: 10-13 And it came to pass, as
Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat
down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto
his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when
Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician,
but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have
mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners
to repentance.
One reason
defense is often the position of choice is because it takes little forethought.
Offense has to plan, to be creative, to take chances, to be proactive, to be
positive, to be vulnerable. Defense is reactive. The only goal is to prevent
someone or something from touching us.
If the
offense does not score it has failed. Fear of failure keeps most Christians on
the bench, or playing defense, because they do not want to “disappoint” God.
Communion
is a type of pre-game meal. We gather as the Body for preparation to go out and
do the work of the ministry. It draws us toward one another. It lets us know
that we are not facing life alone. He is with us. The other Believers are with
us. Let’s become vulnerable and be bold enough to not retreat when attacked.
Stay on offense and see what God will do.
