Soldier in God's Army

[2 Timothy 2:3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.


A soldier by definition means: an enlisted man or woman, as distinguished from a commissioned officer, or a person who contends or serves for any cause. Generally when we think of a soldier, our minds are sent straight to war. A war is a conflict between two opposing forces. 


Paul charges Timothy in the scripture above to endure hardness and be a good soldier for Jesus Christ. We are in that same war today. If you are saved, Jesus, our "commissioned officer", has distinguished you to join the battle between God vs Satan, Holiness vs Sin, Heaven vs Hell, Light vs Darkness. It is our job to carry the truth and 'recruit' more soldiers for our mighty army. Trials and tests loom about, rocky grounds await our journey, there are waters to wade and mountains to climb; however, God's army has already been promised victory. Take a look back in Revelations, and you will see who wins the war. 


Future for Satan's Army
[Revelations 21:8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.


Future for God's Army
[Revelations 22:5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.


Which side do you choose?


It will not profit our fight if we entangle ourselves with the cares of this world. We must lay off the things will will easily beset us and weigh us down. Just as little David cast off the armor when he went against Goliath, we must cast off the worldly armor and go into this battle with the God that cannot be defeated. 


[Ephesians 6:10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:    


Our supplies are in stock and our future is bright. We must work while it is day and win all we can for God. Bring glory to His name in all that you do. If you win one soul for Christ and His army, it will be worth it all. Resist temptation. Stand strong and firm in your faith. The only way we will be able to withstand the world in this war is to keep on our armor of God and put off that which we do not need. 


In the end, let us all be able to say :
[2 Timothy 4:7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

(Although this video does not display The Church of God members, we do sing this congregational song and enjoy the meaningful lyrics it contains!)

-[Destiny Turner]