Behind the Message with Pastor Levi Lusko

Declaring War on the Version of Me I Don’t Want to Be

Overview

Pastor Craig Groeschel interviews his friend Pastor Levi Lusko about Levi’s message and book “I Declare War.” Levi explains how childhood bullying birthed insecurities that later surfaced in marriage, work, and ministry—prompting him to “declare war” on the parts of himself he doesn’t like. Together they discuss admitting the battle, enlisting the right people, and making tactical daily choices so real change can happen through Christ’s power.

Themes

Origin of “I Declare War”

• Story: Levi moved to a new school and state in junior high, weighed “90 pounds soaking,” and was repeatedly bullied.
• The pain produced hidden insecurities; over time he learned to mask them with success or other “masks” we all wear when we feel we’re not enough.
• Deciding he no longer wanted to live as that insecure version, he chose to “declare war” on it.

Facing the Dark Side We All Carry

• Everyone has an “old nature” that resurfaces despite prayer or effort.
• Success, ministry, or accomplishment can camouflage but never cure it.

• “You can’t win a war you haven’t admitted you’re in.”

• The first step is honest admission: name the specific issue you will battle.

Practical Moves for Daily Victory

• Levi’s upcoming message will outline weekly and daily practices that “position you to succeed.”
• Pull the right people close—community is strategic, not optional.
• Small, repeatable “tactical choices” compound into long-term change.

Hope Grounded in Christ

• Levi points to the apostle Paul’s candid struggle—“I do what I don’t want to do”—as proof believers still fight inner battles.
• The same Jesus who helped Paul offers power and freedom today.
• “For freedom Christ has set us free,” so long-standing addictions or traits are not permanent prisons.

Key Truths

• Hidden insecurities often drive the behaviors we dislike most in ourselves.
• Real transformation begins by openly acknowledging the specific battle.
• Strategic habits and supportive relationships create a winnable environment.
• Christ’s power, not self-effort alone, makes lasting freedom possible.
• Even spiritual leaders continually fight—and can overcome—their flesh.

Response

• Admit the exact area where you need change and “declare war” on it.
• Invite trustworthy friends or mentors into your fight.
• Replace vague hopes with concrete, repeatable practices this week.
• Rely on Jesus’ power daily rather than sheer willpower.
• Celebrate small wins as evidence the war is turning.

Closing

Craig thanks Levi for ministering to Life.Church and highlights the practical hope listeners will receive in the next message. Levi assures anyone who feels stuck that freedom is attainable when they combine wise choices with Christ’s strength.

“A little bit better every time.”

Resources

• Book: “I Declare War” by Levi Lusko