Clearing Rooms and Clearing Hearts: A Spiritual Parallel

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a CQB session with a close friend from the SWAT team. For those unfamiliar with the term, CQB stands for Close Quarters Battle. It’s a tactical procedure mainly used by law enforcement and military personnel when they need to clear confined spaces, like a house, a room, or a building. The ultimate aim? Ensure the safety of the space, eliminate any immediate threats, or pursue an adversary. The process itself is adrenaline-charged and calls for utmost precision. But as I engaged in this drill, the lessons I took away transcended the physical and navigated into the spiritual. The parallels were undeniable and incredibly enlightening. The first thing that stood out? Clear one space at a time. Whether you’re in the confines of a cluttered room or the vast expanse of your spiritual journey, it's crucial to focus on what’s directly in front of you. Diving headfirst into the fray without discernment can be chaotic and counterproductive. In life, as in CQB, a scattered approach rarely yields the desired outcome. As we proceeded with our training, my brother emphasized the importance of keeping my head and eyes up - don’t hunt through yours scope. This isn’t merely a physical command; it’s a profound spiritual directive. In our spiritual lives, “eyes up” signifies hope, faith, and keeping our sights fixed on the Lord, especially in turbulent times. But perhaps the strongest lesson I drew from the experience was the concept of addressing the most immediate threat. Threats in CQB change dynamically. As you advance and navigate the house, the challenges evolve. Yet, the protocol remains: tackle the immediate threat before you. In our spiritual battles, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the entirety of the war. However, just as in CQB, it’s imperative to address the spiritual challenges we face one at a time, starting with the most pressing. The spiritual life is a battlefield, much like the tactical scenarios we encountered in our CQB session. Both realms call for discernment, agility, and the wisdom to face challenges head-on, one step at a time. The next time you find yourself in a spiritual standoff, recall these CQB tactics. Navigate the space of your heart with the same precision, confidence, and faith. Check out this short video of Luke doing some CQB Training