* The Phalanx Formation *

I've been doing some research lately in reguards to the inner workings of the body of Christ, but more related to the movie "300". Most people that have seen 300 watch it for the sole purpose of seeing sweet war scenes and manly bloody fights. I must agree, some of them do get your adrenaline going, however, on a much deeper level, I have been intrigued by similarites in the armour (almost like our spiritual armour) and the Phalanx formation (similar like the body of Christ). It has been cool to see the similar roles that they play both in a worldly sense and a spiritual sense.
The Phalanx originated from ancient greece and was used as the "ultimate" battle formation. Most of the time the formation would take place in a retangular formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, or similar weapons facing outward. The Phalanx therefore presented a shield wall and a mass of spear points to the enemy, making frontal assaults much more difficult. Individual soldiers carried their shields on their left arm, protecting not themselves but the soldier to the left. This meant that the men at the extreme right of the phalanx were only half protected. However, most attacks against the Phalanx proved to be EXTREMELY fatal.
As I was researching, I decided to check the definetion of Phalanx. I was blown away. It means: "a group of people (soldiers) standing against opposition and moving forward closely together." Wow. This was almost exactly in line with what I had been reading in my quiet time. I have been reading some in 1 Corinthians and Galations.

Here's what I've been reading:
-1 Corinthians 10:13-
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
-Galations 6:2-
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

I'm pretty sure that sums it all up. We need a Phalanx formation in our lives. We are commanded to bear each others burdens, almost like each soldier in the Phalanx shields the person next to them. And, if every person does his and her part, the formation is extrememly fatal to ANY oposition.
So, what does being in a Phalanx entail? I think that it can be different according to the needs of the body (people), however, I think that any Phalanx obviously requires 2 main things: 1) Commitment. Most people run from this word. It entails time, work, and energy. All of which require extra effort to succeed. And 2) Selflessness. It means we have to love unconditionally, freely give for the benifit of others above ourselves, and take hits for the people around us. I have been encouraged and also "called out" to step up my efforts. I have been guilty of letting my brothers in arms fail. However, I know there is always a new day and that I have been freed by the blood of Christ in order that I may learn from my mistakes.