What Does It Take to Be a Christian Warrior in Today’s World?

In an era where darkness seems to encroach from every corner—moral decay, persecution of believers, and outright battles between good and evil—the call to be a Christian warrior has never been more urgent. But what does it truly mean to embody this role today? It’s not merely about physical prowess or battlefield heroics, though those can play a part; it’s about spiritual fortitude, unwavering faith, and a readiness to charge into the fray when others flee. Drawing from the timeless heroes of the Bible and modern exemplars like Christian Craighead, who single-handedly saved over 700 lives during a terrorist siege, we see a blueprint for the Christian warrior: one who is trained, fearless, and divinely equipped for the fight.

At its core, being a Christian warrior means standing firm in the spiritual warfare that rages around us. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This isn’t a metaphorical skirmish; it’s a daily reality in today’s world, where Christians face hatred for upholding biblical truths on issues like life, marriage, and religious freedom. From cancel culture to outright violence in regions plagued by extremism, the fight of good versus evil manifests in boardrooms, streets, and hearts alike. Yet, just as biblical warriors were called to action, so are we—prepared through discipline, prayer, and the Word of God.

Biblical Heroes: Models of Fearless Faith

The Bible is replete with stories of ordinary individuals transformed into extraordinary warriors by God’s power. These aren’t fairy tales; they are historical accounts of men and women who faced overwhelming odds, much like the challenges we encounter today.

Consider David, the shepherd boy who became Israel’s greatest king. In 1 Samuel 17, David confronts Goliath, a Philistine giant towering over nine feet tall, armed with a spear like a weaver’s beam. While the Israelite army cowered in fear, David ran toward the danger, declaring, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). David wasn’t a seasoned soldier at that moment; he was a youth trained in the fields, protecting sheep from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). His “training” was obedience to God, honing his skills through faithfulness in small things. Today, this mirrors Christians who stand against societal giants—ideologies that mock God’s design—running into debates or acts of service while others retreat.

Then there’s Joshua, whom God commanded to lead Israel into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. In Joshua 1:9, the Lord exhorts him, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua’s campaigns, like the miraculous fall of Jericho (Joshua 6), required not just military strategy but absolute trust in God’s unconventional plans—marching around walls in silence before shouting in victory. In our modern context, this relates to believers pushing back against evil in public spheres, such as advocating for the unborn amid a culture that devalues life, or defending religious liberties in courts where faith is increasingly marginalized.

Gideon offers another profound example. Called from hiding in a winepress (Judges 6:11), Gideon led a mere 300 men against a Midianite army “as numerous as locusts” (Judges 7:12). God whittled down his forces to ensure victory came through divine intervention, not human strength. Gideon’s story teaches us that Christian warriors aren’t defined by numbers or resources but by reliance on God. In today’s fight against evil—be it human trafficking, ideological indoctrination in schools, or spiritual apathy in churches—God often calls the unlikely, equipping them to dismantle strongholds.

These heroes shared key traits: they were trained in God’s ways, acted without hesitation, and fought like seasoned prize fighters against amateurs. Their enemies, though formidable in the flesh, were no match for divine empowerment. As Proverbs 21:31 states, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”

A Modern Exemplar: Christian Craighead and the Nairobi Siege

Fast-forward to January 15, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya, where al-Shabaab terrorists stormed the DusitD2 hotel complex, unleashing chaos with guns and explosives. Amid the panic, as civilians fled and security forces hesitated, one man charged in: Christian Craighead, an off-duty British SAS operator. Armed with only his personal weapon and gear, Craighead entered the fray alone, methodically neutralizing threats and evacuating survivors. Over the course of the 19-hour siege, he saved over 700 lives, killing multiple attackers in close-quarters combat. His actions were described as “far more brutal” than portrayed in media, requiring split-second decisions and unyielding resolve.

Craighead’s heroism echoes the biblical warriors. Like David running toward Goliath, Craighead ran into danger while others ran away. Trained as an elite soldier—much like a prize fighter honing skills against amateurs—he fought with precision and fearlessness. But what elevates him as a model for Christian warriors is his faith-driven motivation. In interviews and accounts, Craighead has spoken of his Christian beliefs, viewing his service as a calling to protect the innocent. In a world where evil strikes indiscriminately—terror attacks, school shootings, or ideological assaults on faith—figures like Craighead remind us that physical readiness can intersect with spiritual warfare. He wasn’t just saving lives; he was embodying the command in James 1:27 to “visit orphans and widows in their affliction,” extending that to defending the vulnerable in real-time crises.

The Training of a Christian Warrior: Ju-Te and Spiritual Discipline

So, what does it take to become such a warrior today? It begins with training—not just physical, but holistic, preparing body, mind, and spirit for the battles ahead. Ju-Te training, as offered through our community at ju-te.org, is designed for everyone, but especially for those eager to be fighters for Christianity. Rooted in Christian principles, Ju-Te emphasizes spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and communal devotion, equipping believers to stand firm against deception and evil. Our resources, from devotions on the power of prayer to guides on recognizing the devil’s schemes, train you to wield the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul outlines the full armor of God: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. This isn’t optional gear; it’s essential for withstanding “the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Ju-Te training helps you don this armor daily through practical steps—meditating on Scripture, intercessory prayer, and fostering a warrior mindset. Just as David practiced with his sling in solitude, or Joshua strategized with God’s guidance, modern Christians must train rigorously. In today’s context, this means being ready to counter false teachings online, support persecuted brothers and sisters globally, or even physically defend communities if called.

Moreover, 1 Timothy 6:12 urges, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” This fight isn’t against people but principalities, requiring discernment in a world of misinformation and moral relativism. Ju-Te’s focus on awakening to shadows and eternal perspectives prepares you for this, much like Craighead’s elite training prepared him for Nairobi.

Facing Hatred: The World’s Opposition and Our Response

Inevitably, stepping up as a Christian warrior invites opposition. As Jesus warned in John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” Today, this hatred manifests in subtle ways—social ostracism for biblical views—or overt, like attacks on churches in regions under extremist rule. Yet, we’re called to respond with love and boldness, not retreat.

Consider the rise of anti-Christian sentiment in Western societies: laws restricting religious expression, media portrayals vilifying faith, or cultural shifts glorifying evil. In these arenas, the Christian warrior fights by speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), engaging in civic duties, and supporting ministries that combat injustice. Like Gideon with his small band, a trained few can turn the tide through prayer and action.

Conclusion: Ready to Fight the Good Fight

Being a Christian warrior in today’s world demands courage, training, and divine reliance. From biblical giants like David, Joshua, and Gideon to modern heroes like Christian Craighead, we see the pattern: run toward the battle, fight with godly skill, and trust in the Lord’s victory. Ju-Te training empowers you for this calling, building a community of prayerful warriors ready for spiritual and practical engagements.

As Paul reflected in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” May we, too, be ready—armored, trained, and unhesitating—in the ongoing war of good versus evil. Join us at ju-te.org to start your training today, and step into the arena as a fighter for Christ.