Back to basics

Introduction

Back in March I had the opportunity to see my neice graduate from basic training with the US Navy. This was my very first experience seeing the military this close up. What was very interesting is the process that all branches of the military conducts. BOOTCAMP or basic training is the very first thing that enlisted military members have to go through. It was interesting to see how my neice left here and when she went, she was told not to pack a bag and she was told what she could and could not bring.

The purpose of the Navy's basic training is a very simple one but is very dynamic. The goal is to take civilians and in 8-9 weeks turn them into basically trained sailors.

This is not the end of their schooling. After basic training is over, they have a process in which they begin to learn more specific information based on what their specialty will be.

But while in bootcamp, they all the same clothes, shoes, glasses, haircuts, etc

They are trained in their thinking to understand that while they are in the service, that they are different from civillians. We took my neice out after she was released and we are walking around in the mall and she still has a uniform on. Even while she was free for the weekend, she was in a uniform because that is what they wear.

It makes me think about the church and why it is sometimes so difficult to see results in our lives. I think a great deal of it is because we havent gone through the process of really grasping the BASICS of the faith. We are trying to operate in the kingdom but our minds have not been converted from the world... Scripture says "be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of our minds".

Today I want to talk about a few basic things that are absolutely necessary in order for us to be successful in our kingdom walk.