Every trade or job has certain qualifications that are necessary for the individual to have in order to be an effective worker. Certain qualifications can be important for one job; yet are completely inappropriate for another. For instance, an individual who is certified in all elements of welding may not fair to well as an accountant. This is no less true for the calling of a Christian soldier. There are three characteristics that are vitally important to be an effective and viable Christian soldier. These characteristics are: Be willing to fight, use the right weapons and have a good strategy.
War has been declared and as soldiers enlisted in the army of God we must be willing to fight. Recall the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath was almost ten feet tall and his armor weighed 125 pounds. He was a giant in that day compared to the youngest son of Jesse. Goliath was taunting the armies of Israel and defied any man to face him. Of course, all who saw him, including Saul, were afraid of him. Notice David’s response to the taunts of this great Philistine giant in verse 32, “Then David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’” David declared war and pressed on with courage as he knew that he was not alone, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me form the hand of this Philistine.” David knew that God would help him fight this battle. By reading the rest of 1 Samuel 17 we know that David, with God’s help, did indeed defeat Goliath as an example for us today. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:7-8). Most of us will never fight bears, lions and giants, but we can have courage that the same God that helped David is the same God that will help each and every one of us today. No matter what the battle may consist of God will help us, if we are willing to fight!
A second, crucial skill of any Christian soldier is to use the right weapons. David was fighting a physical war against carnal people (Philistines). He defeated Goliath with a simple sling and a rock, but the weapons of our war are much different. Christian soldiers fight a spiritual war—a war for our minds! The Apostle Paul wrote on this very theme in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Satan is the god of this world and broadcasts all of his negative images, thoughts and ideals through the airwaves (Ephesians 6:12). Do you remember the old television antennas? I can recall a time when I was sitting on our couch and my wife was adjusting the antenna. As she held the antenna we had a great picture, but the moment that she would let go the picture would return to fuzzy. See the analogy? As humans, we are like walking antennas picking up whatever messages are being broadcast through the airwaves. Just like the holy servants of old we must use the same weapons: prayer, fasting, Bible study and meditation. These are our spiritual weapons of warfare and if we want to win the battles we must use these weapons. As we draw close to God we will develop more of His mind, His character and we will more fully utilize His power. We are engaged in a spiritual war, which requires the weapons that God has given us to use. We cannot afford to make any more excuses: I’m too busy, it’s too late, I’m too tired or there is not enough time. These weapons are our defense and our very lives depend on our fervent use of them. “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 be able to stand against the wiles (tactics) of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11). In the flesh we are weak, but we are not alone and as we utilize God’s power, strength and the provided weapons we will steadily notice the eminent victories in our lives.
Look at all of the New Year’s resolutions that are made every year. How many people actually follow through with their resolutions or ideas of grandeur? Every year there are thousands of people that decide they want to be entrepreneurs. They get fired up and “gung ho” and they start a new business. Every year there are thousands of people whose new business simply fails. These great intentions are generally accompanied by excitement and vigor, but they lack the one, same important element—planning.
A Christian soldier must learn when and how to let God fight his or her battles. We must learn to strategize. It’s one thing to say, “Let God fight our battles,” but how do we actually go about letting God fight our battles? There is an excellent seven-step example in the Old Testament of a solid battle strategy that was used thousands of years ago; a strategy for Christians today. The story involves Jehoshaphat the king of Judah. He was trying to restore Judah from the apostasy that they had fallen into through idolatry In the midst of setting the nation straight he faced imminent destruction. A great army consisting of Moab, Ammon and others gathered to do battle with Judah. These people assembled an army that greatly outnumbered the army of Jehoshaphat. At face value, the odds were greatly against him!
Let’s take a look at the seven-step battle strategy that was used by king Jehoshaphat, which is found in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. Remember that this same strategy is valid for Christians today (1 Corinthians 10:11). How do we let God fight our battles?
One (20:3), we have a proper fear of God—standing in awe. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Most modern psychologists teach that fear is only negative, but the Bible teaches that a proper fear is healthy. A proper fear keeps us on the right track and reminds us of our place compared to God. Two (20:4), ask God for help. It seems obvious, but this step is all too often missed or assumed. Paul instructs, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)! All of the patriarchs in the Bible are noted as having a powerful prayer life—daily contact with God. The power of prayer can never be underestimated. It is through prayer that we build a genuine relationship with our Father. We can approach God’s throne boldly for He is faithful to give, but we must always ask for His will to be done (Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 5:14). Three (20:7-15), seek God’s counsel. “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22). This means constant and fervent Bible study (Matthew 4:4). This means going to parents and ministers, depending on the circumstances. In any case, we are admonished to not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
It is interesting to note that even the Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God follows this principle, as he has the Council of Elders. The duty of the council is to render advice on all issues concerning doctrine, church organization and all major plans and programs. We all need to take heed and seek wise counsel. Four (20:7), wait on God. This is a “tuff one!” It is in our nature to want things when we want them—now! However, patience is truly a virtue. King David was inspired to write in Psalm 37:7, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” One of the hardest things in life we will face is waiting on God. Quite often our timetable is not God’s timetable. We have to learn to trust His judgment and set His will above our very own will. Five (20:20), take action on our part. This of course, is contrary to the emotionalism that the mainstream religions of our world teach today. Yet, make no mistake, we do have personal responsibility. Note what Paul wrote in Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” Notice that Paul taught that we are led. The Holy Spirit will not force us to do anything—it will only empower our right decisions. We are free moral agents and we have to do our part (Deuteronomy 30:19). Six (20:21), give God thanks during the battle. Our lives are filled with many battles and at any given time it is easy to become preoccupied. We become so caught up, absorbed and involved with the “now” that we forget to recognize our Deliverer. In Psalm 105:1, King David, in his heartfelt way, admonishes us, “Give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.” Notice the wonderful example of the angels at the throne of God, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 7:12). God promises to help us—give Him thanks all the while! Seven (20:27), give God credit for the victory. This may seem like an obvious point, but all too often people forget. It’s a relief to emerge from a hard-fought battle, but always give credit where credit is due!
True Christians will face many battles in this life, but if we are faithful, obedient and thankful to God, notice the conclusion of the matter, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). What a wonderful result if now, we let God fight our battles.
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