Soldier of the Lord

2 Timothy 2:3-4 {3} Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. {4} No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

I, (NAME), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
                   United States Oath of Military Enlistment

The Oath of Military Enlistment is not an invitation to a tea party. The military is paid salaries, given benefits, receive reenlistment bonuses, and even are awarded medals for jobs well done. The majority of them probably deserve far more than what they get. However it should be noted that none of those things are promised in the oath of military enlistment. The oath is not about what you will receive, the oath is about what you will do. It is solemn promise to obey and support a cause that is bigger than you. It is a pledge that you will put your personal desires and wants aside and follow the leadership of your superiors in the protection and service of your country.

We must be faithful in guarding the Gospel. Paul uses three illustrations in the next few verses as example of faithfulness and commitment. The first is the illustration of a soldier. Does the modern church resemble a military unit fighting for a cause? Or are we more like the private civic club whose participants are more worried about the form and decorum of the meeting than having a noble purpose for their existence? Are we soldiers of the Lord?

A good soldier is willing to suffer hardship
{3} Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
To suffer hardship is to embrace all the difficulties of military life. The difficulties could range anywhere from doing without everyday comforts all the way to being in harm’s way. Suffering hardship does not mean that such hardship is enjoyed or that fear is not present. The commitment of a soldier is bearing what many others would seem unbearable and doing so in spite of every fiber of your being crying out in fear. John Wayne said, “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” Christians have a responsibility to endure whatever it takes to serve Jesus.

A good soldier does not allow everyday life to keep him from doing his duty
{4} No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, …
The affairs of everyday life in this verse refer to activities of business and family life. A person who serves in the military cannot be concerned with the affairs of civilian life. You can’t decide you are not going to war because your team is in the playoffs and you just can’t miss the game. When the order is given to go, a soldier must go with no questions asked. To embrace the cross is to follow the banner of Christ even when marching toward the battle is incontinent.

A good soldier obeys the orders and honors the will of his commander
{4} … so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
Does what I do please Jesus? In the Lord’s army he sets the regulations, issues the orders, and accompanies us into battle. My actions both on and off the battlefield must be accomplished with the goal of pleasing him. Soldiers give up their will for the will of those that give the orders.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to be a good soldier in the Lord’s army. Help me to run to the battle with the courage only you can give me. Teach me to follow you without question. In Jesus’ name, Amen.