Cruiseship or battleship

I enjoy the sharing of different perspectives that others bring from their own faith walks for it strengthens my own. A brother in Christ recently shared a metaphor for our walk in faith is like a cruise ship at times and but also a battleship.

For me this was thought provoking: I simply cannot subscribe to the idea that our faith walk rests on a cruise ship at any point after experiencing my long and arduous walk through the valley of dark shadows. This is where the metaphor falls apart for me. A Christian living on a cruise ship does not seem to paint an accurate picture of the realities of our enemy. He always prowls and is battle ready himself: 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV

Would it not most effective way for the enemy to win, if he can keep us Christians on the cruise ship where leisure and pleasure rule? When we chase the wind we become naive to the reality of eternity and the enemy. I often focus on creating my own paradise on this first earth rather than anticipating the next.

' Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? '

Ecclesiastes 1:2-3

For how would one know if a torpedo was fired at your ship without battleship radar? What engineering and preparation has been made so the ship can withstand attack? Is there any defense? How easy it would be to sink that cruise ship, it is not prepared like a battleship. 

"Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil" Ephesians 6:11

Don't get me wrong - there is need for rest and healing. He is faithful and provides it! Even on the ship. I am reminded how in each battleship, under the Everlasting Captain, there is an infirmary for battle wounds. A place for healing. A place for rest.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

With Jesus there peace even in midst of war time. He is love! For this is what our heavenly Father has given us - peace!  Peace even ON the battleship. This is given so we may walk (or sail) into the spiritual battlegrounds of our work, home, city and even in church.

A sermon I thought was applicable for this topic, titled cruise ship or church quite good. Sermon starts at 35:10 : https://vimeo.com/showcase/11131952

**Key Points:**
- The church isn't about personal comfort; it's about fulfilling Jesus' mission.
- Church is a community of believers, not a physical building.
- True discipleship involves sacrifice and aligning our concerns with God's.
- The importance of seeing church as a mission field, not a cruise ship.

**Scripture References:**
- Matthew 16:13-20
- Ephesians 3:20-21
- Romans 12:1-2

Church or Cruise Ship from Norwin Christian Church on Vimeo.

And so I am with the angels on this one for I too grow weary of this first earth. For the coming judgement will be executed according to His promises and the prophecies. 

Are you equipped for battle in this life? 

Or are you leisurely cruising in a Hawaiian shirt?

For we are not guaranteed another breath today or tomorrow. 

Only the Lord knows our number.