Today is part 3 of examining the characteristics of a soldier.

Soldiers obey their commanders without question.

No question about it. Disobediences means time in the brig; but more than that, unquestioning obedience may make the difference between life and death for the troops.

God expects us also to obey.

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” 1 John 2:3-5 

Instead of feats of daring, He would rather we obey.

Remember when Saul took things in his own hands and did not obey? He lost his kingdom over it.

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” 1 Samuel 15:22

Don’t get a discharge! Keep on Keeping On:

Sometimes soldiers get discharged, honorably, dishonorably or for medical reasons.

Christ said in the last days, the elect would grow cold towards Him:

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”  Matt. 24:12-13    

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” Galatians. 6:9

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing” 2 Thessalonians. 3:13

Examples of Endurance:

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.  For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,  Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.  And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:10-15

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Hebrews 12:1-4

See, don’t be slothful (or lazy), run your race! Endure!

Even the longest battles are eventually over.

Eventually the tour of duty is over, the soldier goes on leave.

The Christian soldier goes through trials and tests, but they end.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivereth them out of them all.” Psalm 34:19

As long as we are on this earth, we face struggles and tests.  This is not heaven on earth.

Here’s the good news:

Soldiers are often decorated for their bravery.

Earthly soldiers received stripes, badges and medals. Sometimes outstanding feats of bravery will net them a Purple Heart, but Christian soldiers will get crowns become as valuable as gold!

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”  James 1:12

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:4

“when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

Father, help us to be trained and armed for battle. Help us to be alert and obedient. Let us not grow cold but endure to the end.  Help us win battles for You!

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I wrote this over ten years ago; but it is now truer than ever. We are soldiers for Christ, and we have been deployed! It’s now time to put into practice all we have been learning. It’s now time to suit up in our spiritual armor and follow our leader, The Commander in Chief. No excuses. Just do it.

PREVIOUS POST: PIT STOP #15 ARMED AND DANGEROUS #2

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Thanks for dropping by my little corner of the Internet. I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

Also, I’m thrilled to tell you the book, “A Family’s Legacy: Passing Down Love, Wisdom and Tradition,” is now available. One of the chapters in that book was written by me; and I now have an Amazon author’s page that has all the details. Click here.

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