Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (JN 8:32)

Living

Saturday, Feb 11, 2012

A Good Soldier Serves

0
By Charles Stanley , Christian Post Contributor
September 27, 2009|7:40 pm

2 Timothy 2:22-26

A good soldier is a servant. In addition to acting on behalf of his country in combat situations, he is called upon to aid the local populace, liberate captives, and keep peace within the ranks. He must think about more than his own skin. Likewise, a Christian soldier’s job includes watching over those working alongside him.

The Christian soldier protects the unity of the church. Worship communities divide over both important and trivial issues. Sadly, most splits are ugly battles between people who ought to be fighting side-by-side against a common Enemy. Paul warns believers not to be quarrelsome. Instead we’re to work out differences with kindness and show patience when wronged. Moreover, a sensitive, loving correction can often settle tempers and clean a wound torn in the church body. Then healing is possible.

The Christian soldier rescues those imprisoned by sin. A gentle correction is also useful when speaking to fellow believers ensnared by the Devil. Just as the men and women in a combat unit guard each other, we are to care for our spiritual brothers and sisters. Or as Paul explained, we “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak” (1 Thess. 5:14). Our standing orders are to reflect Jesus to the world, beginning with each other (v. 13).

While these are things believers should do for one another, a servant-soldier’s top priority should be having a godly attitude. Respond to other spiritual warriors as Christ would. To keep your heart and mind right, you must be in God’s Word-reading, studying, and making His principles your own.

Like us on Facebook

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009
All Rights Reserved.
0
Top Stories

Evangelicals 'Outraged' by Obama's Contraceptive Compromise

President Obama's attempt at a "compromise" in ...

Santorum Brushes Off Money Concerns, Blasts Obama on Religious Freedom

Rick Santorum disregarded Mitt Romney's money-flush campaign in his CPAC 2012 address saying that the presidential race is not about who has the most cash, but about stopping Barack Obama and his growing grip on American freedoms.

Elevation, 50 NC Churches to Serve Homeless for LOVE Week

Over 50 churches in the Charlotte, N.C.-area will ...

Lawsuit Claims Unlawful Distribution of 'Charitable Assets' by TBN Directors

A lawsuit recently filed by the former head of finance for the Trinity Broadcasting Network claims that the directors of the widely-viewed Christian television network have illegally taken advantage of more than $50 million in "charitable assets" for their own good.