Good morning. One of history’s greatest examples of a warrior people were the ancient Spartans. Every citizen of Sparta was committed to them being the greatest force of warriors they could possibly be. They trained for battle as soon as they learned to walk. Mothers embraced the idea as much as the men, and to be a part of a Spartan force was an honor beyond all others. They were very good at it. They employed a battle technique that was ahead of its time. One so effective for its day that it later was adopted by that famous Macedonian king, the fellow we remember as Alexander the Great. He took the Spartan method of warfare and conquered the known world.
What was their secret? Teamwork. They stood together, moved together, fought as one, interlinked with the warrior next to them. Single soldiers could be beaten, but a group working together with trust and courage was formidable.
There is a truth about the Spartans that doesn’t get much attention. We see movies about them, such as the one telling us about the 300 and the Battle of Thermopylae, and they are tall, handsome, rugged, everything you would expect from great warriors. But this is the truth not much mentioned: The Spartans average height was about 5’2” and their average weight about 125 pounds. We know this from art, the remains of their dwellings, and remnants of their armor. They were relatively little people. Their fierce strength was due to their tactic of working together and relying on one another.
The apostle Paul says this to the Philippians in Philippians 1:27-28: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospelwithout being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
As the people of the Lord, we too stand mighty when we stand together. When we stand as one in the Spirit of truth without fear, there is power.
How great could we be if we set aside the immaterial and claim the power of the Spirit by standing together? Wouldn‘t it be wonderful to find out?
Vern