THE VERSE
Endure hardship with us like a good solider of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs- he wants to please his commanding officer.
~2 Timothy 2:3-4
THE THOUGHT
The life of a Christian is one of a continual battle. One of the very first, absolutely essential things to do in this fight, is to start seeing it as one. A soldier playing games on the battlefield will get shot, and a Christian not actively wielding and wearing the armor of God is wide-open for assault and defeat. We are in a war for our hearts and minds, but more importantly, we are in a war for the advancement of the kingdom of God against the kingdom of Satan. C.S. perhaps described it best: “Enemy occupied territory – that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.”
Have you signed on to the campaign that the author of the universe is leading? Is your life committed to subverting and sabotaging the enemy’s designs by lifting high the cross of Christ and rallying to it’s liberating power? Have you taken up the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith to take a stand against what Satan wants to do in and through you? You are a child of God and you are on the front lines of the battle of good versus evil, light versus darkness, freedom versus slavery? Take up your cross and join in the fight! May we, in glory, be numbered among the numberless multitude who overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb.
THE PRAYER
Lord of Hosts, Give me a spirit of power and love that I may join with You in Your glorious campaign of victory against the enemy. I want my life to advance Your wonderful cause of making Your Son famous throughout the world. Equip me to stand strong for You, and use me however and wherever You will.
EXTENDED READING
Ephesians 6:10-20
1 Timothy 6:11-12
2 Timothy 2:1-5
Revelation 12:10-11
THE QUOTE
“A committed life has the power to perceive what God’s will is.” ~R. Kent Hughes
This post is written by Brendan Beale, author of Cross Connections