Christ And His Soldiers

“But of all avocations, none is more arduous than that of the soldier in time of war. His is a life of self-denials. He foregoes the comforts of home. His bed is often the wet or frozen earth, where he is too glad to rest his weary body, his aching head pillowed upon his knapsack. His shelter is a tent; his covering a blanket. His duty is to obey the commands of his officers, though at the imminent peril of his life.

In the New Testament, Christians are often referred to as spiritual soldiers. Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. – Eph. vi. 10, 11…

Soldiers make the service of their county their business. Their private interests must never interfere with the calls of duty. The Government undertakes to supply their absolute wants and to afford them all the protection that is consistent with their hazardous avocation. So Christ pledges himself to take care of the soldiers of the cross. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matt. vi. 33. He who clothes the grass and feeds the ravens, will feed and clothe him. His resources are bondless and always at command. He says to his followers: All things are yours. – 1 Cor. 3, 4. Hence the soldier of the cross, on his march to Canaan, does not need to carry much with him. Bread shall be given him; his water shall be sure. He has no occasion to lay up for himself, treasures on earth. He will never need them. The Lord is his portion. He can give manna in the wilderness and water in the dessert. So he who is contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, need have no fear for his body. He is forbidden to have any anxiety about his physical wants. Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body what ye shall put on. –Matt. vi. 25…

As they come out of the last battle you will hear them exclaim: Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Cor. xv. 57…

Are you a soldier of Christ? Do you march out boldly on the battle field or do you cower away and wait ‘to see how it is coming out?’ That is not acting the part of a soldier; but of a time-server – of a coward. If that is your course, you cannot expect a soldier’s crown.

Be true to your convictions. Stand by the truth, if you stand alone. Never give your money nor your influence to speed a glittering lie, or crush a heaven-born truth, whoever may oppose the one or advocate the other. Give the enemies of the cross no aid or comfort. Above all things endeavor to please Him who hath called you to be a soldier.”
~B. T. Roberts

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