Word of the Week: Soldier

In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as “Armistice Day.”  It was hailed as a day of reflection to honor those who served in the military, both living and dead, at the end of World War I.

While the Treaty of Versailles was not signed until seven month later, the fighting ceased between the Allied nations and Germany on the 11^th hour, of the 11^th day, of the 11^th month.

Today we always commemorate this day, known now as “Veterans Day”  on November 11^th.  Our soldiers commitment to country demands that we give “honor to whom honor is due.” For their service.  Sacrifice.  And courage.

Our word of the week is “Solider.”

But I want to think about a different kind of solider.

Christians are called soldiers.   (2 Tim. 2:4).  We must suffer hardship.  Not be entangled by worldly matters.  And please our Commander–Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3-4)

Paul called Epaphroditus a “fellow soldier.”  (Phil 2:25).

Ephesians 6:10-18 identifies the armor of the “Christian solider.”  We are to be prepared for battle against our arch enemy–Satan.  But our warfare is not carnal. It is spiritual (2 Cor 10:4)

In this tone I want to share a piece called “I Am a solider.”  I don’t know the author.  But it speaks to the kind of qualities and attitudes that Christian soldiers ought to possess.

I am a soldier in the army of God!

The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer!

The Bible is my code of conduct!

Faith, prayer, and the word are my weapons of warfare!

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire!

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity!

I will either retire in this army at the end of time, or die in it

But I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out!

I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable!

If my God needs me, I am there!

If he needs me to teach a class, to teach my neighbor, to help someone in need, or just sit there and learn, He can use me, because I am there!

I am a soldier! I am not a baby!

I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up!

I am a soldier! No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me!

I am a soldier, I am not a wimp!

I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me hand outs!

I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to!

I am committed! I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around!

I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside!

I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit!

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing! If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead! I will win!

My God has supplied my needs.  I am more than a conqueror! I will always triumph!

The Devil cannot defeat me! People cannot disillusion me!

Weather cannot weary me! Sickness cannot stop me!

Battles cannot beat me! Money cannot buy me!

Governments cannot silence me and HELL CANNOT HANDLE ME!

I am a soldier!

Even death cannot destroy me!

For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me, and then allow me to rule with Him.

I am a soldier, in the army, I’m marching, claiming victory!

I will not give up! I will not turn around!

I am a soldier,  heaven bound! Here I stand!

WILL YOU STAND WITH ME AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST?  

May God bless both the soldiers who serve our country, and Christian soldiers who spiritually fight under the orders of King Jesus!

 May we say with Paul, “I fight the good fight of faith.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman