WE ARE THE ARMY OF THE LORD

Neal Pollard

Russell Young, a distinguished veteran of World War II and the Korean War as both a member of the army and marines, once observed with me many comparisons between the military battlefield and the spiritual battlefield on which every Christian is to fight (cf. Eph. 6:10ff; 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Tim. 4:3ff; etc.).  His musings brought to my mind the following observations.

Some of our brethren are “MIA.”  They are “missing in action.”  It may be regarding attending all the services of the saints, participating in the work of the church, or giving liberally of their means.  When there is work to do, these brethren are not to be found.

Some brethren are, similarly, “AWOL.”  They are “away without leave.”  In other words, they are conspicuously absent without “providential cause” (sickness, certain occupational situations, etc.).  They are the ones to whom reference is made when the question is asked, “Where has _____________ been lately?”  When they leave town for a few weeks, no one knows.  No one knows when and if they are sick.  While members may and should phone, how much easier it is when those who are hurting and ill let the church know where they are.

Some brethren are “POWs.”  They are “prisoners of war.”  The war is with Satan and worldliness, but some have been taken captive by the devil to do his will (2 Tim. 2:24-26).  These brethren have willingly and foolishly placed themselves in harm’s way, lowering their defenses and ultimately weakening themselves to the point of capture.

Some brethren are “defectors.”  They have defected to the side of the enemy.  Their deeds align them with the dark forces of evil, but they have not carefully considered that “the other side” is going to “lose big” some day. The stakes are eternally high (cf. Matt. 25:46). Yet, such POWs can and must willingly leave the enemy’s camp.  Others can have a part in their rescue, but ultimately they have to want to leave the devil’s ranks.

Some brethren have “battle fatigue.”  They are getting weary in well-doing (Gal. 6:9).  Perhaps they are ready to give up the fight (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12).  God wants those enlisted in His army to “war a good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18), but that will require “endurance” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).  The adversary sometimes is all too clearly seen, and he looks intimidating (1 Pet. 5:8).  Most of the world is on his side (Matt. 7:13-14).  Bible studies sometimes do not end with the student obeying the gospel, fellow-soldiers can disappoint, involvement by brethren can at times seem so limited, and personal adversities can hinder. Yet, it can all be “overcome” by faith (cf. 1 John 5:4).  Those who endure will be rewarded in unparalleled fashion (Js. 1:12).

Some brethren will have been “decorated war heroes.”  The medals have not yet been handed out, but these spiritual soldiers are faithfully fighting the good fight.  Israel has the “Medal of Valor.” Poland has the “Virtuti Militari.”  It is the “Victoria Cross” in the United Kingdom, the “Bir Sreshtho” in Bangladesh, the “Order of the Golden Kite” in Japan, the “Royal Order of the Intare” in Rwanda, and the “Medal of Honor” in the United States.  Countries recognize their war heroes for valor on the battlefield.  James, Paul, Peter, and John all mention the imperishable crown that awaits those who come to the end of their battle still standing wearing the armor.

Let us be like those who “became mighty in war” (Heb. 11:34), aware of those things which “war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11).  Endurance is the key to victory!  Maybe you have given up or you feel like giving up the battle. Perhaps you are simply discouraged. The battle may seem long, but the victory promises to be the sweetest ever experienced! Keep fighting!