“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
~2 Timothy 2:3~
~2 Timothy 2:3~
Do you ever grow weary in the battle? Have you ever felt alone in the fight? Are there days when the demands of ministry seem overwhelming as the warfare rages around you?
We recently attended a U.S. Army boot camp graduation in Oklahoma, because our son was in the ranks. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when all the soldiers, with wonderful unison and enthusiasm, recited the soldier’s creed. There was something powerful and inspiring in the demonstrated unity as the soldiers shouted the creed as one voice. Something even more powerful is experienced when people tune in to God’s heartbeat and march together in His kingdom rhythm.
Part of the Soldier’s Creed was posted in large letters in the auditorium where the graduation took place:
• I will always place the mission first.
• I will never accept defeat.
• I will never quit.
• I will never leave a fallen comrade.
Those words resonate with me as a veteran, but even more as a soldier of the King. Our primary mission is love for the mission giver, with our eyes are fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. The deeper life in Him is the wellspring which provides all we need for the mission fields of life and the battlegrounds of faith.
On days when I have thought about giving up, abiding in Christ as the mission giver is the source of strength. When I have felt defeated, in Christ I choose to walk in victory. On days when purpose and vision seem foggy, refreshing Matthew 28:18-20 on the mental desktop helps keep me on track. When others around me are hurting, reaching out to them is part of the honor code as a soldier of Christ. When I feel alone, God reminds me of the plurality in the community of faith. We are not alone, and unity toward the mission is a powerful force. As Paul penned it in his epistle to Timothy, “….endure hardship WITH US……”
Like good soldiers are we together, with Christ as our Good Shepherd and Commander-in- Chief. The song to which we march is the very heartbeat of our God.
Help us, Lord, to stay in step with your Spirit as we march in unity with others through the battlegrounds of life. May our prayers for each other provide artillery for encouraged faith. Keep our eyes fixed upon you and your mission, help us walk in victory, and help us never leave the wounded to fend for themselves.
“ No one serving as a soldier gets involved
in civilian affairs — he wants to please his commanding officer.”
~ 2 Tim 2:4~
~ 2 Tim 2:4~
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