Greg Chandler
11/03/13
To honor and show appreciation for those who have risked their lives in the line of duty, the American people observe Veterans Day. It is a time of thankfulness for those who have been willing to give everything. As well, it is a time to remember that, in worldly affairs, war is a way of life. Interestingly, this is also how the Lord describes the relationship between good and evil. The Apostle Peter gave this admonition:“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul (I Peter 2:11).” The Apostle Paul gave a sober warning concerning this enemy when he wrote: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Like any good soldier who goes to war, the Christian must have his or her mind trained and ready for action. In II Timothy 2:3-4, Paul wrote “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” Victory is the goal of the earthly soldier and permits nothing to step in the way to diminish this goal. Such is the case with the Christian. It is easy, however, for one to forget this as the cares of life grow. The Christian’s enemy has very clever ways of distracting soldiers. If not very careful, the soldier of Christ’s army can allow the cares of this world to drain the energy needed for battle. It is at times such as these that the enemy plans his ambush. If victory is to be achieved, the soldier must make certain that Christ is always at the forefront of thoughts and actions. The soldier in Christ’s army never allows a foothold for an enemy who desires nothing but his or her eternal destruction.
The seriousness of this battle is indicated by the armor that is given to the Christian as war is waged against evil. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians about their enemy, he admonished them to put on the armor given by God Himself. The armor of truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word will prepare for the weapons of the enemy (see Ephesians 6:13-17). Every piece of the armor is essential for survival. The “flaming darts of Satan” are hurled at the soldiers of Christ on a continual basis. They seek to destroy trust in God and to convince the soldier that there is no way the battle can be won. The armor of God prevents the soldier from being wounded by such lies. The “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” cuts through such arguments. This powerful weapon allows the soldier to go on the offense in destroying the battle strategy of the one who seeks to destroy.
Are you a soldier of the cross? Unlike the wars of this earth, this cosmic battle’s winner is already known. The Lord has defeated the powers of evil and Satan’s fate is assured in the eternal flames of Hell. Though defeated, he still seeks to do harm to the Lord’s cause by bringing down as many souls as will follow. The faithful soldier realizes the desperate situation of Satan and fights with all might possible to avoid going down into defeat with him. This victory can only be achieved by first becoming a part of the Lord’s army. It requires faithful dedication and trust, even when it appears the foe may have the upper hand. In the end, it is knowing that the Lord has a special place reserved for His battle scarred troops. Far more than a single day of honoring veterans in His army, the Lord promises a day of reward that will never end.