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| BOOT CAMP There are many things a new recruit must learn; actually, he is entering a whole new way of life. It is important for him to come to trust and obey those who rank over him, and to act quickly without questioning orders, because someone's life may be depending on him. In boot camp, you learn the rules, you exercise a lot to build strength, and you train so that you will be be skilled and fast. The top man in the chain of command is called the commander-in-chief. The Christian soldier’s chief commander is Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; WEAPONS A soldier must learn to use and trust his weapons. A soldier can be very powerful using the right weapons, but very helpless without them. God has given the Christian soldier some very powerful weapons; sadly many don’t use them. Corinthians II 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) EQUIPMENT The soldier is given all that he needs to sustain him. He receives clothing, bedding, camping supplies, and many other things. God supplies His soldiers with their daily needs. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. HOW TO FIGHT The soldier must learn not only how to fight, but also how to protect himself from being wounded or killed. Many who learned this well came back safely from the war. Corinthians II 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. THE SOLDIER’S HANDBOOK This is a book that gives all the information on soldiering. It contains everything from how to salute to how to make a bed. The Christian soldier has his handbook too; it is called the Bible. Timothy II 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Timothy II 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. THE SOLDIER’S MORALE When the U.S.Army captured a certain island in the pacific during WW2, they built a movie theater there. That may seem foolish when they could have been moving in weapons and preparing for battle in other ways, but the army knows that troop morale is very important. This is a top consideration for the Christian trooper, too. He must always keep a positive, “I can do it!” attitude. That is faith. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. HE MUST ENDURE HARDNESS A soldier must live with extremes of heat and cold. He must endure very wet and very dry conditions. He is exposed to many kinds of sickness. A Christian soldier must also endure many hard things. Timothy II 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. A DIFFERENT KIND OF BATTLE A soldier’s fight is with human beings, but the Christian’s battle is with the evil spiritual beings of an unseen world. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. WHAT IS A SOLDIER? “But you don’t know what they said to me! My feelings are hurt!” some people say. (Soldiers may be wounded, but many go back to fight again.) “ I’m tired, I want to rest, maybe I can do it some other time.” we excuse ourselves. (Soldiers get tired but they must fight on.) “ I’m so lonely, I don’t know anybody here.” we moan. (Soldiers get lonely, too, but they keep right on marching.) “I’m afraid! I just can’t do it!” we may cry. (Soldiers are afraid at times, also, but they go forward, nevertheless.) WHEN THINGS ARE QUIET In quiet times, a soldier prepares for the next battle. He piles up sand bags, digs foxholes, cleans his weapons, etc. What can the Christian soldier do to prepare for the next battle? Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, THE ENEMY JUSTIFIES HIS ACTIONS The Germans in W.W.2 always seemed to have a good reason why they did the things that they did. But most of it was lies. Man and his ways(Called the “flesh” in the Bible) is against God and His ways and always seems to have an excuse why he does what he does. Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: THE ENEMY GIVES HIS EXCUSES Cutting remarks are ok (They had it coming.) Lying is ok (We had a good reason.) Adultery is ok (Everybody is doing it, so it must be alright.) Homosexual lifestyle is ok ( I can’t help it, I’m born that way.) Drunkenness is not sin (It’s a disease.) Man shifts responsibility and guilt ( The devil made me do it.) CONFRONT THE ENEMY Engage the enemy in spiritual battle. Call sin what God calls sin. Whether it’s in me or you, if it is against the command of God, it is sin. Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. SOLDIERS ARE FRAGILE Soldiers struggle against hard physical, mental, and emotional problems. They have become sensitive to how weak they really are, and they have learned to rely on the power of their weapons. Christian soldiers have learned to rely on the power of their God. Corinthians I 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. A MENTAL BATTLE Most of man’s battles are in his mind. Spiritual war is a battle for men’s minds. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Many people struggle much of their lives with fear, insecurity, guilt, depression, and etc. Often people compare themselves unfavorably with others. The solution? Find something bigger than yourself to get involved in. Nothing satisfies like working for God’s kingdom. EMOTIONAL BATTLE Our emotions are sometimes unpredictable and unstable. They are affected by the remarks of others, marital and financial concerns, the weather, our thoughts, etc. The soldier must fight his negative emotions and stand on solid ground.. Mark 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. THE PRISONER OF WAR I read that during the Vietnam war, some prisoners kept their right minds by meditating over and over on words from the Bible. I have heard people say that they found certain verses in the Bible that they held on to in time of trouble, and that kept them stable. God will keep us unruffled in battle if we stand on His word. Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. A SPIRITUAL BATTLE When a person is delivered from sin, he can expect to face a spiritual battle. You don’t shoot at the enemy and not have him shoot back. We are not onlookers, but we are royal troops. This is a time for discipline and courage. Timothy II 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. VICTORY OVER THE WORLD SYSTEM The prevailing system of thought and behavior today is opposed to God and His laws. Obscene rock stars are idolized by the masses. The homosexual lifestyle is supported by reporters, movie stars, doctors, even theologians. Those who live loosely are admired; they are called “cool.” Woe be to the man who speaks out against their lifestyles! The Christian soldier must stand against the majority, when the majority is wrong, and not believe the lie that he is fighting for the wrong cause. Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! THE SOLDIER HOLDS SMALL PLOTS OF GROUND In war, one hill or one small island may change hands many times. Men are killed and wounded in capturing or defending it. Why do they do this? It seems such a great waste of effort and life. They do it because that one spot may be very important to the war effort. The Christian soldier must stand up for right no matter how insignificant it may seem. Is it wrong to steal a dime? “It’s small, no one will miss it,” people reason. Is it wrong to tell a “white” lie? The Christian soldier fights for and holds on to the ground of truth. Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. |
| THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER |
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| by H. Witmyer |
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