Jude 1:3 – “Dear friends, I wanted very much to write to you concerning the salvation we share. Instead, I must write to urge you to fight for the faith delivered once and for all to God’s holy people.”

As I opened the car door to step into the parking lot, I heard the commotion. A nest high above the door of the shop I was about to enter was being fiercely protected by a tiny momma bird. Circling above her nest was a large predatory enemy on a mission to claim her egg-babies.

As this enemy-bird circled and approached, the momma fiercely guarded her fortress, fighting back with all she had. She made loud noises, flapped her wings, dive-bombed, and pursued the bird in attack-mode. Momma bird seemed unconcerned that her petite size was dwarfed by the mass of her enemy. Her sole focus was defending what was precious to her.

As the predatory bird conceded defeat and retreated, the momma bird returned to sit on her nest. With the show over, I entered the shop and my thoughts turned to the precious things in my life. What did I hold dear enough to defend? I thought about my family and to what great lengths I would go to protect them. As any momma can attest, there would be no enemy too large for my maternal attack. I would have no fear, nor would I hesitate should a threat come to any of my “baby chicks.”

Then my thoughts turned to my faith. Would I fight with the same determination for the core beliefs found in the Good News of Jesus Christ? Would I fight for goodness and kindness and love with the same vigor as I would fight for my family? Would I defend my Heavenly Father with the same fervor as I would defend those I love?

Jude, the brother of Jesus, was once an unbeliever. But Jude came to know the truth of Jesus and fiercely defended it. Jude reminded us how precious our faith is. He warned us of predators anxious to steal truth, and he called us to protect it at all costs. Yes, Jude knew spiritual warfare would attack our beliefs just as the predatory bird attacked the momma’s nest.

Whether in the workplace, within our social circles, or within the church, we will be called to be the army of God and defend His precious name. So, friend, as you clothe yourself today in God’s love, also remember to arm yourself for battle. The predator may be circling your nest ready to rob you of your precious faith.

Father God, fill us with the courage to defend your truth.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane