2 Timothy 2:3-4 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer.

Intrinsic to the call of being a soldier is the concept of hardship. At the very onset of training, the soldier must contend with the idea that his service might even cost him his life. So then it is clear that there is no room for cowardice, but the soldier steps forward with the assurance that he has the full resources and support of his commander behind him. He understands that he is not alone and that his duty is to please his commander.

The Christian is called to fight the fight of faith. Like the soldier you go from boot camp to the battlefield. The early years after salvation should serve to equip you for the heat of the battle. The enemy has been identified – the devil is always scheming to take you out. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12).

Life demands stamina and fortitude, but if you are going to succeed in God’s army, you have to put on the full armor issued to you. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6: 14 – 18). This reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves with the common goal of pleasing our Commander.