You Sunk My Battleship

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explores the profound concept of vulnerability and its significance in our relationship with God and with others. Drawing parallels from the game of Battleship, where players hide their ships to protect themselves while trying to attack their opponent, the teaching highlights how we often employ a similar strategy in our lives by concealing our weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

The speaker suggests that society often teaches us to hide our vulnerabilities out of a fear of being seen as weak, different, emotional, or shameful. This tendency to conceal our true selves can create barriers in our relationships and hinder our ability to connect authentically with others and with God. The teaching references research by Brene Brown, a vulnerability researcher, who found that individuals labeled as “wholehearted” – those who live more joyful and fulfilled lives with deeper relationships – are characterized by their willingness to embrace and show their vulnerabilities. These individuals understand that they don’t need to hide their imperfections and are courageous enough to live with their whole hearts, including their weaknesses.

The power of vulnerability is illustrated through a real-life example of reconciliation after a disagreement, where expressing remorse and being vulnerable led to the dissolving of conflict. This highlights how vulnerability can break down walls and foster empathy in relationships. The teaching emphasizes that true relationships are built on a foundation of vulnerability, as it allows for deeper trust and connection. Just as the character in the movie “A Knight’s Tale” had to show his vulnerability to prove his love, we need to be willing to reveal our true selves to build meaningful relationships.

The speaker then examines various figures in the Bible, revealing that even those we admire for their strength and faith had moments of profound vulnerability. Examples include Elijah’s despair after a great victory, Moses’ speech impediment, Gideon’s fear, Peter’s denial of Jesus, and Jesus’ own moments of vulnerability in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the tomb of Lazarus. These examples demonstrate that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a part of the human experience, even for those deeply connected to God. The teaching points out that God often uses the weak to manifest his strength.

The analogy of olives being crushed to release their oil is used to illustrate that our moments of weakness can be the very times when our true essence and God’s purpose can flow through us. Similarly, Jesus had to break the bread to feed the five thousand. This suggests that embracing our vulnerabilities can open us up to be used more effectively by God.

The teaching also uses the historical story of the German battleship Bismarck and its encounter with the British Royal Navy to illustrate our tendency to focus on our perceived vulnerabilities during times of battle, whether literal or metaphorical. Just as the sailors on the Bismarck were ultimately overwhelmed despite their seemingly impenetrable strength, we can become so preoccupied with hiding our weaknesses that we lose sight of our mission and our reliance on God. The story of Oscar, the cat who survived multiple ship sinkings, is used to highlight how vulnerability can evoke sympathy and protection. However, the speaker cautions against manipulating vulnerability for personal gain, emphasizing the genuine and relational aspect of it.

The ultimate example of vulnerability is found in Jesus Christ himself. His willingness to show his emotions, his distress in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his suffering on the cross all demonstrate a profound level of vulnerability. Even in washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, a task considered lowly and even repulsive, Jesus displayed immense humility and vulnerability. This act of service exemplified true leadership and the importance of not being too proud or uptight to connect with others on a personal level.

The teaching contrasts Jesus’ open vulnerability with the “battleship” approach of hiding and attacking. Jesus, when faced with the social and political “game” of his time, essentially revealed all his “ships,” showing his true identity and inviting people to follow him based on who he truly was.

Furthermore, the teaching touches on the concept of shame and its antidote, empathy. Guilt is identified as feeling bad about something one did, while shame is feeling that one is inherently wrong. Sharing vulnerabilities and receiving empathy from others can counteract feelings of shame and foster deeper connections within a community. The example of the Men’s Bible Study at Founded in Truth Fellowship illustrates the power of men opening up about their struggles and supporting each other.

The teaching concludes by emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and humility, drawing from Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount about turning the other cheek. This act of non-resistance in the face of shaming is presented not as passive acceptance of abuse but as a way to break the cycle of aggression, which often stems from underlying hurt and unforgiveness. By being willing to be vulnerable and engage with others with honesty and empathy, we can facilitate healing and build stronger relationships, mirroring the example set by Jesus Christ.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Be Authentic: Strive to be genuine in your interactions with others, rather than trying to project a perfect image.
• Share Your Struggles: When appropriate and with trusted individuals, open up about your challenges and vulnerabilities.
• Practice Empathy: When others share their vulnerabilities with you, respond with understanding and support.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you are feeling weak or overwhelmed.
• Be Willing to Forgive: Let go of resentment and bitterness, recognizing that aggression often comes from a place of hurt.
• Show Humility: Follow the example of Jesus by being willing to serve others, even in seemingly lowly ways.
• Embrace Imperfection: Recognize that everyone has weaknesses and that vulnerability is a part of being human.
• Build Trust Gradually: Allow vulnerability to deepen your relationships over time as trust is established.
• Reflect on Jesus’ Example: Consider how Jesus demonstrated vulnerability in his life and ministry.
• Pray Honestly: Be open and honest with God about your fears, doubts, and weaknesses.

References

• 1 Kings 18
• 1 Kings 19
• Matthew 5
• John 11:35
• Romans 5:6
• Jeremiah 6:16

Books and Resources Mentioned

• The Bible by Various Authors
• Saving Face on Honor and Shame
• Shameless Book
• Brene Brown – The Power of Vulnerability
• TED Talks