Offense And Defence
Offense and Defense: Winning the Whole Battle in Ministry
In sports like basketball or football, every team knows you can’t just play offense and expect to win—you also need solid defense. Scoring is important, but if you don’t guard your side of the field, defeat is inevitable.
This same principle is even more true in ministry. Many of us pour our energy into the “offensive” side—doing the work God has called us to, moving forward with passion, vision, and purpose. And that’s important! We want to finish strong and hear those precious words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
But offense alone isn’t enough. If we neglect the “defensive” side—guarding our hearts, checking our desires, nurturing our character—we may begin well but end in failure. The story of Gideon serves as both inspiration and caution for us in this.
Gideon’s Great Offense: Courageous and Effective
Gideon started strong. God called him to rise up as a deliverer for Israel against the Midianites, who were wreaking havoc on the land. And after some back-and-forth with God, Gideon stepped into his assignment.
Here’s what his offensive record looked like:
- He tore down his city’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole.
- He defeated a vast Midianite army with just 300 men armed with trumpets and jars.
- He captured and executed enemy princes and kings.
- He led Israel into 40 years of peace.
Gideon’s exploits are legendary. “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” became a battle cry (Judges 7:20). He was a man who knew his God and did mighty things. But that’s only half the story.
Gideon’s Poor Defense: The Inner Life Unchecked
Gideon may have defeated the enemy outside, but he failed to defend his own heart.
After his victories, he began collecting gold ornaments from the spoils of war—1,700 shekels worth (about 47 pounds), not including other rich items from the kings he conquered (Judges 8:24–26). At first glance, it might seem like he’s just taking the reward of battle. But it doesn’t stop there.
He fashioned that gold into an ephod and set it up in his hometown, where it became a snare. “All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a trap to Gideon and his family” (Judges 8:27).
His lack of defense wasn’t limited to greed. Scripture also notes he had many wives and 70 sons—signs of unchecked desire and disobedience to God’s warnings (Deut. 17:17). Lust of the flesh and eyes crept in quietly but powerfully. His offensive strength could not protect him from internal erosion.
Samuel’s Example: A Life Guarded and Well-Lived
Contrast that with Samuel’s farewell words to Israel:
“Whose ox have I taken? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I accepted a bribe? Tell me and I will make it right.”
“You have not defrauded us or oppressed us,” the people replied. (1 Samuel 12:3–4)
For Samuel to say this at the end of his life means he had been watching over his heart all along. He didn’t just run well—he finished well.
Learning From Gideon’s Story (and Ours)
Gideon is a warning. Many ministers and leaders today have mighty platforms and incredible fruit—yet their stories end in tragedy because they didn’t guard their hearts. The trap isn’t always instant. It can be slow, subtle, and culturally acceptable.
Unchecked desires—whether for wealth, attention, influence, pleasure, or comfort—can take us down if left unchallenged.
Offense and Defense: Running and Finishing Well
We need both offense and defense in ministry.
- Go forward with boldness. Obey God. Preach. Lead. Serve.
- But also: Guard your heart. Stay accountable. Let Jesus deal with your inner world.
In seasons of victory, when the spotlight is bright and the applause is loud, don’t forget to go face-to-face with Jesus and ask:
“Lord, is there anything in me that needs to be checked, healed, or surrendered?”
Face to Face: A Personal Reflection
What are your unchecked desires right now?
Is it a craving for comfort, recognition, control, or something more subtle?
Jesus sees it all. He knows it all—and still loves you. Come to Him honestly and humbly. Confess your heart’s condition. Let Him satisfy your longings with more of Himself.
That’s how we win the full battle—offense and defense.
That’s how we run well and finish strong.
To the glory of God.
