What is Your Mockingjay?

Have you ever found yourself unintentionally involved in a conflict? Or perhaps you involuntarily started a skirmish, and now you face a battle that you’re not sure you’re going to win?

If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, then you know a bit about what it must feel like to be Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. After being willing to sacrifice herself to save her younger sister who would have been a totally vulnerable and inexperienced fighter, she has transformed into a formidable warrior who is capable of leading a successful rebellion against a very corrupt system.

She (literally) shattered the Hunger Games, and now Katniss will be the rallying point for the Districts’ attempts to overthrow their oppressors.

But I don’t think that’s what she wanted…

And neither would we—right? Like Katniss, we all would rather just have peace and be with friends and family in a stress free environment. Unfortunately, neither our world, nor The Hunger Games world, is set up that way. So, we would be wise to—like Katniss—find our own personal Mockingjay!

In The Hunger Games, the Mockingjay is a symbol of rebellion towards the Capitol and a mockery of their failed attempts at spying on the Districts. To Katniss, it is a reminder of what she is fighting for and how vulnerable she is in the war she never wanted in the first place.

So what is your Mockingjay? In other words, what symbolizes your commitment to the spiritual war we fight in every day and reminds you that we can never get comfortable or lose our focus on THE Cause of Christ? Look, I am with those of you that long for a more comfortable and conflict free life, but hey, whether or not we asked for it, when we trusted in Jesus for salvation, we joined the fighting forces of rebellion against the gates of Hell itself!

Personally, I’ve chosen the Cross for my Mockingjay. It is a symbol of rebellion towards the spiritual forces of darkness that wreak so much death and destruction in our world, and it reminds me of the astonishing vulnerability of Jesus Christ. He is the God of the Universe, yet He was born in a stable. But more than that:

Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT).

Jesus’ death and resurrection started a war for the souls of all mankind. Like the Capitol, Satan wants to maintain control over the world and keep all his subjects in complete subjugation, but God left us here when we were saved so that we can help take down the kingdom of darkness!

So I have a cross in my car to remind me to pray for my friends and family when I’m driving. I have a cross at my desk to encourage me to fight the good fight against the world, the flesh and the devil each and every moment.

I even have a cross in my bedroom to remind me that Jesus is the reason I have breath in my lungs and a fire in my heart to serve Him from the beginning to the end of each day.

Many of you need a “Mockingjay,” and might I suggest you choose the cross of Jesus Christ, as well? Not as a religious symbol, but rather as a rebellious representation against the sinful patterns of this world. Looking to the cross will keep your heart, soul, mind and strength focused on Christ and His cause each moment.  And if you are looking for worlds of encouragement to get in the battle, let these words wash over the deepest part of you:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died (Galatians 6:14.)

So if the Hunger Games motivates you to fight injustice, find your Mockingjay and get in the battle for THE Cause!

Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action

Sometimes having a symbol can really be helpful in reminding us of what is truly important, and nothing is more critical than THE Cause of Christ! This week, think through what might help you stay focused in serving Jesus.

Accelerant: Fuel for THE Cause

Pray: Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself and dying on the cross so we could live forever with You. While we remain in earth, help us keep our eyes on You and our hearts committed to THE Cause.

Read: Mark 8:34. Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”

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