Soldiers Of Christ

Although tomorrow, Nov 11, is officially Veteran’s Day, we’re honoring our veterans who have or are serving in our Armed Forces, today. Nov 11 was originally celebrated as Armistice Day, marking the day the temporary cessation of hostilities of WWI, between the Allied nations and Germany, went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Armistice Day continued to be observed on November 11, until 1954, when President Eisenhower expanded it to honor and all who served in our Armed Forces during times of war and peace, renaming it Veteran’s Day. Unlike Memorial Day when we especially honor those who died while serving, Veterans Day celebrates the service of all US military veterans. Continuing to celebrate Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

While these veterans have fought human wars against enemies of our freedoms, we are also engaged in a spiritual battle against Satan’s forces of evil Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The grim reality is that as soldiers in the Lord’s Army we face a continual battle. There is no peace time, only daily combat. And there is no honorable discharge from active duty during this lifetime, so we’re all veterans. For those who complete their tour of duty on earth honorably, there are eternal benefits. Complete eternal life insurance, with no need of medical benefits because there will be no more sickness, no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain in heaven. In fact, the only scars in heaven will be Jesus’ nail prints we’ll see when He welcomes His veterans home.

At my sides there are two flags. The American Flag, representing our country, and the Christian Flag representing our Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, with His Cross imprinted on it. The Flag of His Church Triumphant. Both have certain requirements to serve under these flags, and the kingdoms they represent, faithfully and effectively. One has a spiritual focus, the other has physical requirements.

Recruitment into either army at present is voluntary. There is no forced draft in America anymore. In God’s Kingdom, no one has ever been forced to serve. Both send recruiters to encourage people to volunteer to serve.

American recruiters target specific audiences, but Jesus invites each of us individually, “Come, follow Me”. Each army does have requirements though. The American army requires passing physical, mental, and character tests. Jesus tests our commitment to Him, like He did for the rich young ruler who came to Him wanting to join the Kingdom Army. Jesus tested his commitment, telling him to sell all he had and give it to the poor, but the man failed that test. Worldly wealth possessed the young man. Effective soldiers in Christ’s command must be loyal and obedient to Him, and have faith in Him alone.

As veterans in Christ’s army, we have additional duties as recruiters as well. Jesus sends us out as His recruiters to encourage others to serve in His Army. Paul, as one of the top recruiters in Jesus’ army, writes in 2 Cor. 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us”. As His recruiters, we are His ambassadors, speaking His words to others through His Holy Spirit.

Once new recruits commit to serve in the American military, they are sent to a boot camp, where they are given a new look, begin to learn about their new life, what’s expected of them, and begin training to become effective combatants. The recruit’s new external look starts with a hair cut and new clothes before undergoing physical training. But Jesus’ new look focuses on the spirit. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, that “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Jesus harshly criticized the religious leaders for cleansing the outside of a cup but neglecting to clean the inside. Jesus cleans us from the inside that affects our outer appearance. Change from the inside affects our attitudes and decisions. For example, we may choose to live and dress in ways that represent our Lord more appropriately. Such internal changes may result in external changes - loving others more, becoming more understanding and forgiving. James tells us we should control our tongues, so we change the language that comes from within us, even blessing, rather than cursing others. And we may be more careful about what we put into our body, which is now a Temple of the Holy Spirit.