This past week on my daily walks I've been listening to Stephen Pressfield's book 'Gates of Fire.'
It's a fantastic account of the Battle of Thermopylae... which is famous for the way 300 Greek warriors took their stand against a Persian army of over 100,000 soldiers.
Hearing the story reminded me how the Spartans valued their shields... since this piece of
equipment was essential to protect one's fellow soldiers... and preserve entire battle lines.
Thanks to the Greek's military strategies, their shields have become legendary.
When young men were given shields before entering battle they were told to return 'with it or on it' -- that is, as a victor or dead -- because 'dropping the shield' and fleeing would be viewed as desertion... and
the ultimate betrayal to one's charge as a warrior.
As I thought about this idea of 'dropping the shield,' I couldn't help but see an application when it comes to our own callings to fulfill the Dominion Mandate.
In our society it's easy to think of our calling mainly in individualistic terms... as in, how it will allow us to fulfill our individual purpose in
life.
But a calling is really much more than that...
It's also about the community... and your contribution to the lives of others...
When God called Abraham, his obedience was to be a source of blessing to the whole earth (Gen. 12:1-3)...
... For generations to
come.
The same is true for the sons and daughters of Abraham.
When you don't answer your calling, those around you miss out and the world suffers.
So don't drop your shield.
People need what God has called and equipped you to do.
And your faithfulness will have effects far into the future.