The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace

by Erwin Raphael McManus

Although life may not have yet brought you wealth or position or power, there is no poverty that can stop you from fulfilling God’s intention for your life when you are walking in wisdom. This is why it matters who you walk with as well. When you choose to live your life in concert with others who are willing to pay the high price of pursuing the greatest challenges and developing their full potential and capacity, it shapes who you are. Lean in to those who refuse to leave you the same. Stay close to those who see you as more than you are in this present moment. Never forget that the rebuke of a friend is of greater value than the kiss of an enemy.26 Wisdom knows that the way of the warrior cannot be walked alone. And while you may find yourself at some point to be a solitary source of hope needed to bring an entire city freedom, the wise know that wisdom was never gained alone. They also know that we were never meant to do life alone. Solomon reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”27 It’s somewhat ironic that these words from Solomon are almost exclusively quoted at weddings, when the actual context for saying these words h...