2 Timothy 2:1,3-4 NLT
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. [3] Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
My grandad was Canadian. When the first world war broke out, he immediately volunteered for the army. No government conscripted him. He was eager to serve.
Again in World War 2, back in Canada, before conscription took place, he was one of the first in the queue to voluntarily enlist as a soldier.
As Christians, strangely enough we are part of God's army, fighting a spiritual war in this fallen world.
We are not conscripts, but, when we give our lives to Jesus, we voluntarily enlist to stand for Him.
Our weapons are not the sophisticated bombs, tanks and guns of modern day warfare. Nor are they the swords and daggers which the Crusaders used. They got it absolutely wrong and gave The Cross a bad name!
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 AMPC
For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds
The Holy Spirit has provided all the armour we need to gain ground for Jesus in our lives.
Like physical armour we need to wear it to keep us safe.
My neighbour showed me the stab vest he was given as he supervises the incoming migrants at Dover.
Of course, it useless unless he puts it on!
So with us, we need to put on the gospel armour and be ready to be under fire spiritually:
Ephesians 6:14-18 NLT
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God's righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. [18] Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
The Holy Spirit calls us to "attention"!
Have I put on all my spiritual armour today?
Get ready, look up, our "Commander in Chief" is coming soon.
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