“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." ~ 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Once saved, being a soldier for God is ingrained in your very being. You have enlisted whether you believe it, know it, or want to acknowledge it. There are two core reasons people exist here on earth: to find salvation and, once saved, to aid God in saving others as soldiers.

The world is a spiritual battlefield. Satan wants to keep the people of this world in darkness so that he can take their souls. Jesus was the first soldier to come and give His life for us so that we could find life again. Jesus commanded us to do as He did. Like Jesus, we are to give our lives to God so that God's light would shine through us, allowing those in darkness to see the power of God and find their salvation.

Reflecting on soldiers in wars, it's evident that they make significant sacrifices by leaving behind their families, jobs, and personal desires to engage in battle. The motivation behind their actions often stems from a deep belief in the cause they fight for. Similarly, God calls us to make similar sacrifices, urging us to forsake worldly attachments—even if it means parting from loved ones, careers, and personal aspirations. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that our willingness to make such sacrifices hinges on our belief in the purpose we're fighting for.

Belief serves as the cornerstone of our commitment to God's calling. Without a firm conviction in the righteousness of our cause, relinquishing worldly comforts and pursuits would seem irrational and daunting. Just as soldiers draw strength from their convictions on the battlefield, our faith empowers us to endure the sacrifices demanded by our allegiance to God. It is this unwavering belief that sustains us through trials and tribulations, enabling us to persevere in our mission to serve Him faithfully. A firm belief is the difference between victorious Christians and victims of our faith.

I find it interesting that most people would say they would take a bullet to save a loved one, but when it comes to surrendering our lives by forsaking the world, we become reluctant, especially if it's not a loved one. I think we are willing to take a bullet because it is quick, noble, and martyrdom, and we don't have to face daily sacrifice.

We are soldiers for God, and our weapons are the fruit we bear. It is the light we shine in our everyday lives, at work, at play, and at all moments we live. The love of God is the pathway to salvation, but how will others know God's love if not illuminated through us?

What We Gain

I find myself reluctant to use the word soldier because I feel people associate it with having to go into a foreign land, track through a jungle, pick up a gun, and shoot people. I can already anticipate people thinking, "That's not what I signed up for!" The cost is too high.

It is our mission, and through this battle, we can grow, find our purpose, and deepen our bond with Christ. What we gain is a stronger relationship with our leader, Jesus Christ. With Jesus comes love, peace, and the rock that sustains us eternally. People, we gain Jesus—must I go on? I shouldn't have to, but I will.

We've been blessed with the profound honor of serving the one who laid down His life for us. When everything concludes, we'll assemble as God's soldiers and rejoice in those He saved through our willingness to be His instruments.

What We Lose

We lose the temporary temptations of this world we were supposed to forsake anyway. We lose the demands of our fleshly nature that lead us to destruction. We stop the bondage of sin and the hold Satan has on us.

How God Sees It

Picture a devastating war raging, with lives lost at every turn. In the chaos, you encounter someone on the brink of death, and despite the danger, you intervene, doing everything possible to save them. Grateful, they express their heartfelt thanks as you part ways. Later, you receive the gut-wrenching news that a cherished loved one has perished. Shockingly, you learn that the person you saved could have rescued them but opted not to, unwilling to risk their lives. How would you feel?

Consider how God might feel knowing He sent Jesus to die for us, yet we hesitate to make sacrifices for the very children He loves dearly.

We are soldiers in a place that is not our home. This world will fade into oblivion, but God entrusted us to be His hands and feet, reaching out to save others just as He saved us.

Remember this: you'll inevitably face a battle, whether of your own making or the one God calls you to fight. The choice is yours.

Christian, are you aware that you are a soldier? Let's fight the good fight!