Wrestling with New Narratives
As I set forth on a career of public speaking to students in Christian high schools and college student groups, one set of assumptions I must verify is about what unsettles them. Then I must adjust my talks to speak to those struggles. There they are, in a sheltered religious education setting or thrust into the wrestling matches of colleges’ conflicting narratives.
We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).
I have put together a list of issues with which Christian students wrestle today:
- anti-Christian philosophies of Marxism and Woke theology
- apparent conflict between scientific and biblical narratives
- narrative of humans as less than God’s ultimate creation
- lack of identity as Creator’s partners and viceroys on Earth
- distractions from purpose
- struggle for resources
- lack of self-discipline
- temptations to sexual freedom
- gender confusion.
Winning by God’s Favor and Spirit
As I recently heard from Mario Murillo, the best defense against the turmoil of these issues is the presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit. He is at work in all believers. He can help students win the wrestling matches of college.
So now, my beloved, obey as you have always done, not only when I am with you, but even more so when I can’t be. Continue to work out your rescue, with great fear and trembling, because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what He always longs for (Philippians 2:12-13).
It is vital that we petition God for His favor and benefits and accomplishment of our work for the Kingdom.
For it’s by God’s favor that you have been rescued. You receive it through trusting obedience (Ephesians 2:8).
This will happen best with small groups of prayer partners and Bible study groups, supported by the larger student groups. This intimate level of ecclesia can most effectively bring individual wrestling matches before the throne of God’s favor.
And, if two or three of you come together in agreement about anything, My Father in Heaven will bless that agreement. For when two or three gather together in My name, I am there in the midst of them (Matthew 18:19-20).
Make it so.
