Bullseye!

Wanna do some paintball? Have you ever been asked that question? It should come with a warning, because paintball isn’t for everyone.

It begins with an old mask. How many people have worn it? More than you can count. Does it smell? Yes. Well, great news—you won’t notice, because you’ll be running for your life.

And by the way, here’s some old clothing. Cover everything! Paintballs can leave bruises. Personally, I’ve learned to enjoy a game of paintball.

My first game took place in a field with shacks, towers, and old tires. My friends argued about the teams, and enemies were made. We were divided and placed at opposite ends of the field. Chaos quickly ensued to capture the flag.

I ran as the offense scattered. Someone snatched the flag and handed it to me. I arrived back at the camp, but all the defenders were missing except one.

My friend asked for the flag, and I obliged. He smiled, raised his gun, and a paintball hit me in the chest. He was unhappy about the teams and purposely lost to prove a point. I retaliated with my own points seconds later. We lost that game, but the fun continued the entire day.

In LOTKS (Chapter 1), the elves and humans divide themselves by race due to arguments. A fight ensues, and two warriors nearly die. Caedmon urges the humans and elves to unite under the truth (Jesus) against Sahib (Satan).

As Christians, our real battle is against darkness. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Do not become entangled by petty disputes within the Church. Do not allow yourself to take offense and become distracted. Unite under Christ and fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12).

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

1 Timothy 6:12