You Are a Soldier in God’s Army

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). The army is a place of discipline and toughness. When you enlist in the army, you are subject to the directions and instructions of your commanding officer. A soldier in service does not do what ordinary civilians do, he is used to a barracks lifestyle. He wakes up when the whistle is blown, he endures tough physical and mental training and he is always at the disposal of the commanding officer. When it is time for war, he cannot give excuses: he gets his kit together and marches to the battle front.

When you gave your life to Christ, ie through baptism, you were enrolled as a soldier in God’s army; you have been in uniform from that hour. That means that after your baptism, you have been qualified as a serving soldier in Kampala Ecclesia (or any other ecclesia). “No-one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs” (2 Timothy 2:4).

When you realise that you are a soldier in God’s army, then you should begin to understand that you are called to a life of spiritual discipline. It is no longer a case of doing what you feel like doing, what you like doing, or what you want to do. You should learn to take instructions from the Lord Jesus Christ, who is your commanding officer. Going to church or meetings for the memorial service no longer become optional but essential. Prayer becomes part of your daily lifestyle, and soul- winning becomes vital. Indeed, you are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. Indeed, you are more than a conqueror; the devil of human nature has been defeated, but remains full of deception. That is why you must be on your guard. “For struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Keep your uniform on and stand firm in faith as a good soldier in God’s army. Further readings: 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8.

Bro Stephen Oganga (Kampala, Uganda)