Protector
As Christians, we are called to build Christ’s kingdom by building homes, families, churches, communities, schools, businesses, products, and everything else. Nehemiah 4:15-18 says:
“When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall. And from that day on, half of my servants did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers stationed themselves behind all the people of Judah who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped to his side.”
In Nehemiah, their building tools were in their primary hands, while their swords were in their left hands or sheathed at their sides. As builders of families, communities, and businesses—and ultimately Christ’s Kingdom—we should also protect what we are building.
Physical protection is as important as financial, mental, or emotional protection. Protecting and leading our families from different kinds of sin or circumstances is an integral part of this role.
The need for a CCW varies depending on your role or situation. For instance, if you’re in the military, law enforcement, or security, your probability for self-defense is higher. Situational factors such as where you live (e.g., a high-crime area), who you interact with (e.g., mental health counseling), or unique challenges like having a controversial pastor or bad neighbors also come into play. However, for the average person in the U.S., the need for self-defense is very low. Don’t carry a firearm because you expect to get into a gunfight; statistically, it’s extremely unlikely. If personal safety were truly your primary concern, you’d be more worried about carrying a lightning rod, pool floaties, or a medical kit.
You shouldn’t carry because you need protection; you should carry because you are called to be a protector. Carrying out of a perceived personal need can lead to disillusionment because the likelihood of an attack is so low. Instead, carrying should stem from a sense of duty and responsibility—a recognition that smart people carry tools to accomplish their work.
Being a protector is a biblically mandated role, distinct from a biblically mandated military calling, which I don’t believe exists. First and foremost, we are called to be builders.
Why is Christ the Prince of Peace? Because Christ, being the ultimate warrior, has conquered death, Satan, and hell. Where we are in history now is the era of building Christ’s kingdom on Earth, made possible by His conquest. As builders, we should protect what we are building, emulating Christ through dragon-slaying. This calls for both mental and physical preparation and training to perform tasks and fulfill our role as protectors.
Preparedness
“It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” Preparedness must be distinguished from paranoia.
When preparing, we often consider concentric circles of responsibility: yourself, your immediate family, relatives, friends, church, community, city, state, and nation. Each circle represents a layer of responsibility and requires task layering to address potential threats appropriately.
Psalms 144:12-15 "Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the Lord."
Psalm 144:12-15 paints a vision where children and material blessings serve as instruments for advancing the worship of the living God across generations. David is neither a self-indulgent hedonist nor a rigid scholar; instead, he reminds us that sons, daughters, and earthly provisions are gifts through which God’s kingdom is nurtured, strengthened, and carried forward.
A Wise Man
A wise man knows how to use his tools. Wisdom in this context means understanding and practicing the use of your tools so that you can be a capable protector. Failing in this area can have serious consequences. For example, being unprepared or negligent could lead to lawsuits if you harm the wrong person, or it could cause your church or business to face legal repercussions.
The time to learn how to use a sword is not when you need to use it. Regular training ensures you’re prepared to handle situations responsibly and effectively.
Total Immersion
You should carry because it is good practice. Comfort with carrying a firearm isn’t the same as proficiency, but it’s an important step. The more time you spend carrying and handling your firearm responsibly, the more natural and comfortable it will feel. This daily immersion builds confidence and readiness.
Patriotism
The United States has been generationally blessed with wealth and peace, but it also has a history of resisting tyranny. If you believe that Christ is King of all nations and that the U.S. has been shaped by His providence, then protecting what He has helped build is a natural extension of that belief.
However, it’s important not to let patriotism overshadow your primary responsibilities. Those who emphasize earthly allegiances first often neglect the foundational layers of protection: family, community, and church. Our earthly allegiance may shift, but our allegiance to Christ remains steadfast.
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