I like this picture because it reminds me of one of my favorite chess moves; double discovered check. You know, the one where you move one piece to take one of your opponents and by doing so, you not only place the other persons king in check, but also place another one in jeopardy. So, one thing reveals something else; way cool!!! But, what do you expect from a game of war? Surprise is everything!!! Christians are in a war too, as this passage from 1st Corinthians shows...
World English Bible: II Corinthians Chapter 10
[1] Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. [2] Yes, I beg you that I may not, when present, show courage with the confidence with which I intend to be bold against some, who consider us to be walking according to the flesh. [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; [4] for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, [5] throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; [6] and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full. [7] Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also we are Christ’s. [8] For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed, [9] that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters. [10] For, “His letters,” they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.” [11] Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present. [12] For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. [13] But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you. [14] For we don’t stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn’t reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ, [15] not boasting beyond proper limits in other men’s labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence, [16] so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done. [17] But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” [18] For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
[1] Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. [2] Yes, I beg you that I may not, when present, show courage with the confidence with which I intend to be bold against some, who consider us to be walking according to the flesh. [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; [4] for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, [5] throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; [6] and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full. [7] Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also we are Christ’s. [8] For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed, [9] that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters. [10] For, “His letters,” they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.” [11] Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present. [12] For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. [13] But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you. [14] For we don’t stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn’t reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ, [15] not boasting beyond proper limits in other men’s labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence, [16] so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done. [17] But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” [18] For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Chess is warfare and its Christian counterpart both begin with the mind. Analysis of situations, planning of strategies and execution of plans are involved in both, but one represents the use of death to win and the other life. Both make you think as to what to do and this can be very tough, but remember, only ONE IS A GAME!! In real life armies, when you destroy the enemy, its done and over with. However, the Christian conflict involves defeating sin and victory means life beyond this life. Its a "no brainer" as to which is more important, because eternal life is just that...eternal. So, the next time you speak with someone about Spiritual things, remember how important what you are doing really is and be careful, their life may depend on it. Checkmate and they win... forever!!!