God's Coaching #329

God's Coaching #329

Who doesn’t love to battle it out with a cardboard tube? That brown roller at the center of wrapping paper makes a great sword. Kids are usually the masters when it comes to cardboard warfare. The Cardboard Tube Fighting League wanted to make sure adults didn’t outgrow the fun either.

The league started in San Francisco when Robert Easley reinterpreted the US Constitution’s right to bear arms to include cardboard tubes. There’s an official chapter in Australia, too. Official league rules state, “No stabbing, no blocking with arms, and no body slamming.” The last person with an unbroken tube wins the duel. The Cardboard Tube Fighting League holds contests where anyone can fight in mass battles. Some tournaments feature one-on-one duels. Many competitors wear fancy costumes or cardboard armor—samurai-style looks awesome! Robert wanted to make cardboard dueling an official Olympic sport. Can you imagine winning a gold medal for your cardboard-tube skills?

What’s the Score?

Cardboard fighting is fun, but did you know you’re also part of a great battle? It’s the ultimate battle between good and evil—between God and Satan. The Bible describes God as a warrior (Exodus 15:3) and says he trains us for battle (Psalm 144:1). Paul gives us the imagery of our spiritual armor and tells us that we fight against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:11-18). We’re not fighting other people; we’re fighting God’s enemies.

What does that look like for us? Most importantly, it means remembering we have an enemy. We have to keep our guard up against temptation and anything that will pull our hearts away from God. And we must look to God for our training so he can shape us with his Word. Cardboard tubes may be fun, but they won’t do a lot of good against the devil.

On the Ball

Fight God’s way. Pray about any problems you’re facing. Talk to him about any people you’re having trouble with. Ask him to help you stay strong.

Coach’s Comment

Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. Psalm 144:1