That if you are a Christian, you are a solider in the Lord’s army. In this army no one is drafted because it is composed of 100% volunteers. Paul told Timothy to “…endure hardship as a good solider of Jesus Christ.” He went on to say, “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a solider.” (II Timothy 2:3-4)
Notice that if it is possible to be a “good” solider, it must also be possible to be a “bad” solider. I don’t like to be negative, but sometimes there is no way around it. If you engage yourself in the things if this life exclusively, then you are not pleasing Him who enlisted you. Do you know any fellow soldiers who are obviously not faithfully following their Captain? Unfortunately, some have gone AWOL (absent without leave). These brethren would qualify as “bad” soldiers who are in need of R&R. In the military this stands for Rest & Recuperation. However, in the spiritual realm it stands for Repentance and Restoration.
Paul says it is important to please Christ, our Captain, but how many live to please themselves? I was stationed at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, during basic training. We had a “hands on” Captain. He would run with us, sometimes calling our names to encourage us. Jesus is our Captain. He not only knows our names, He knows all about our lives. He encourages us to be faithful unto death, which will bring about our receiving a “crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
What kind of soldier are YOU? Remember that Jesus said you are either for Me, or against ME.
Greely Kirkpatrick