Getting Intense
i participated in an intensive retreat this past weekend in which the course materials cover everything from learning about the Father Heart of God to breaking inner vows to examining addictive patterns.
And we cover all that in the course of 26 hours.
So it’s intense. And intense things usually bubble to the surface of our lives when we do these exercises of renouncing past behavior.
During the only spell of free time, i got into a conversation with one of the instructors about the intensity of living a life at the front lines of spiritual conflict, as well as the everyday intensity of fighting for purity and righteousness in a sexually saturated society. The sort of intensity we talk about all the time among the Intentional Warriors.
The truth is, it’s hard to convey to others what it’s like to live a life like that. And the only way to live this life is to live with a high degree of internal intensity. You need to stay sober-minded and alert — as Peter tells us in I Peter 5. It’s important to make no provision for the flesh — as Paul tells us in Romans 13. It requires a warrior mentality. And staying engaged in a posture of battle readiness is tiring.
But at the same time, there is another factor; a vital distinction that must be made.
There are two types of intensity: internal and external. Whatever the level of internal intensity that is required — and it is high — the external intensity of an Intentional Warrior must be very different.
i have been guilty of blasting people; of being overbearing with people; and just plain coming on way too strong.
That hasn’t happened in a while, but in the past i have certainly done so. i remember meeting a man for breakfast and nearly blowing him out of the diner with my intense blast. He has since forgiven me.
In my desire to call men into the battle; my desire to wake up men to the reality we are dealing with in a pornified culture; and my hunger to see men catch the vision i have for fighting for purity and righteousness, i hit him between the eyes and the look of horror on his face said it all.
So one of the crucial things to learn as an Intentional Warrior is how to live with a very high level of internal intensity while at the same time being appropriately compassionate in our relationships so we don’t damage people with the fire that burns so powerfully within us.
Because the truth is, both types of intensity are needed.
We must have the appropriate level of internal intensity that is required at the front lines of the battle. We must also know how to relate to others without overwhelming them.
Intentional Warriors 
One Response to “Getting Intense”
Well said my friend. Compassion , mercy and truth mixed with grace, a winning combination.