The Lowest Level of Training

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Not long ago, I sat in a weapons training class, and the instructor was talking about urban confrontations. “When you’re under duress,” he said, “you will automatically revert to your lowest level of training.” In other words, you will only be able to draw upon the skills which have become instinctive to you. Those things which you still have to work at to perfect, which it takes concentration for you to apply, will fall to the wayside when you’re in a tough spot. The example he gave involved three policemen who were cornering two armed assailants in a parking lot at night, in the rain. It was discovered in the investigation following the incident that the policemen were so unfamiliar with their tools – their pistols – that they were unable to reload in the dark. All three were killed by the criminals, who made their escape.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Not all of us will have to face such a tense situation, but what the instructor said can be applied elsewhere – to our Christian walk, for example. It entails the very reason the Scripture says to “train up a child,” so that when the trials of life come, he or she will know instinctively what to do, and the right path to take. Specifically, I’d like to refer to the duty of men and boys to protect the women and children. Why should we place such a heavy emphasis on boys opening the door for the ladies, or holding their chair for them? Because it instills in them the principle, and creates a habit. And it’s not just the little things, but it helps to create a conscientiousness of taking care of them. They must have the over-arching goal in mind: watch out for, take care of, and protect the ladies. When they are used to doing that all their lives, it will be instinctive that they will apply that logic to whatever situation they encounter. Should the day come that lives are put in danger, they will not fear for themselves, but will instinctively look to the women and children to defend them, because that will be their lowest level of training. It will be automatic, a given!

The same can be said for any of God’s principles. We all must steep ourselves in His Word, so that we may draw closer to Him, and to be so trained in His ways that we will not think twice about choosing the path we know He would have us to go. Our “lowest level of training” should always be increasing in proficiency as we study and stay in Scripture.

“Teach me Thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” – Proverbs 27:11