There was a man who walked around our neighborhood when I was a little girl. He would often speak and occasionally offered a piece of candy. But he was always a little gruff. Then, when I got older, I obtained employment working for our County Government and found out who he really was. He was a local government official. As I grew to know him more personally, I found that he was much more than that. He had been a civil servant for 40 years. He was a boxer, husband, father, and world war II veteran. And he had received several medals. I believe he received the purple and silver hearts and I am not sure what other medals. But I do know this. He was a good soldier. He risked his life for us here at home, as well as the men that he served alongside.

This man was a rough and tumble kind of guy. But he committed his life to helping people. From the wounded soldiers that he carried out of the battle zone on his back, to the constituents he served as a civil servant, he loved to help people. He was a loyal man. He was a committed and courageous man. And He was a really good soldier, in every aspect of his life.

When I thought about writing this particular blog, I decided to look at what the core values were for each branch of the military. I found that the Navy core values are simply “honor, courage and commitment”. The Marines are similar in that their core values are “honor, courage and commitment”, as well as “every Marine in the Corps must be confident in the abilities of themselves—and each other”. And the Army core values are “Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage”.

Each branch of the military wants every soldier to be honorable and courageous. They want each member to be a really good soldier. Because when the battle does ensue, they need to know that they will be resolute. These values help ensure that each soldier will be committed, focused, and unwavering when faced with battle.

God has an army of His own. His soldiers are fighting a more deadly battle than any that has ever been fought. The war that wages is a spiritual war. This war has been raging since the Garden of Eden. And, when there are casualties, they are eternal deaths, not just mortal.

We are called to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ when we become His followers. And that will not be an easy job. Because we will face trials. “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3.

But He will equip and train us. “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;” Psalm 144:1.

The various branches of the military require soldiers to be focused, committed, and to stand firm. God calls us (as a good soldier) to be focused, committed, and to stand firm as well. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Colossians 15:58.

God also requires us to be loyal to the one who enlisted us: Jesus Christ. “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” 2 Timothy 2:4.

We don’t wage war the way that the U.S. Military does though. “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12.

And our artillery is not bullets, guns, and hand grenades. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:4.

Our training is not obstacle courses or physical endurance. God equips and trains us for this battle, through His holy word. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” Hebrews 4:12.

And we have the greatest of tactical equipment and gear for protection. We have the full armor of God. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ” Ephesians 6:10-11.

The best news though is that the battle has already been won. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:17.

God defeated the enemy at the cross. “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.” Hebrews 2:14 (NLT).

But the war rages on. Not because the enemy doesn’t know He already lost. It continues to rage because the enemy hates God and knows how much God loves mankind. So, He continues to battle to win as many souls as possible. He wants to take as many of us with him as he can.

That is where you and I (followers of Jesus Christ) come in. We need to be good soldiers. Through the battles that we fight for the Lord, God can rescue those around us who are still being deceived by the enemy. He has fully equipped us for battle. Let’s continue to read His word and increase our artillery supply. And trust our commander and chief to protect us as we take our place on the front lines. Eternal souls are at stake. “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for the victory that Jesus won at the cross. Father, help us to be bold and courageous. Help us each to be a good soldier, Lord. Point us to the front lines, Father. We are ready to fight. Breakdown the strongholds of the enemy, Father. Give us the ability to seek and find the casualties in this war, Father. Help us to carry them to safety Father. Help us to deliver them right into your loving and waiting arms. We pray this in your precious and holy name, Jesus.

Are you struggling with the guilt and shame of your sin? Do you worry about where you will go when you die? God wants you to know the peace of being a child of God. He adores you and wants an intimate and personal relationship with you. Please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). There is a prayer outlined on our page. Please pray that prayer. Through it God wants to forgive your sin and adopt you as His own precious child.

Once you have prayed that prayer, please reach out to me and let me know. I’d love to be in prayer with and for you.

Luv Ya!