Soldiers of Christ

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may stand against the wiles of the devil." Eph. 6:10-11
"Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. . . . The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives is the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." I Cor. 15: 24, 56-57

The music for our service tomorrow is centered around the soldier theme, and I have been contemplating my role as Christ's soldier. Life is certainly a mighty conflict against unnumbered foes, but courage can rise with danger because the strife will not be long. And I have the assured hope of total victory. The Victor's song is sure, but today is the noise of battle. I must fight now, confidently sure of the crown of life promised to the overcomer, as well as a future and eternal reign with the King of glory.
I must put the armor on, yet I am only strong in the strength God supplies through Christ. Soldiers must give all: total commitment, total abandonment to self. And soldiers must protect all -- full armor of God -- to "fortify the whole." The awaiting result is standing complete at last before Christ.
I must go to war with the Cross before me. If not, I fight a losing battle. The Cross is the reason I have victory, for on it Christ paid my sin as my Substitute. He rose again, conquering sin and death, so that I too might be a conqueror through Him. The battle, though intense, has the promise of triumph, giving way to a joyful song into battle.
This kind of soldier does not get to pick his battles, nor his battlefields. I am under the mercy of a loving Commander who knows what is best for me. This soldier must obey completely. Though ultimate victory is guaranteed, my disobedience results in enemy gains. This soldier must continue to fight, even if exhausted, wounded, or conflicted. I must remain faithful, trusting in God's faithfulness to me, His strength, and His merciful forgiveness of my failures. This soldier finally needs other faithful fellow soldiers. No soldier is sufficient in and of himself. I alone cannot stand up against the enemy temptations. I need what God has provided, and one of His provisions is the body of Christ.
Our sovereign Commander leads us to triumph. May we follow in joyful song, trusting every step of His battle plan, and learning to work with our fellow soldiers to bring ultimate glory to the Victor.