Leaning Forward In The Foxhole

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules..… — 2 Timothy 2:3-5 

Have you thought about living the Christian life as a battle?  It is you know.  

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. – Ephesians 6:11-13  

As Christians, we must be disciplined like a soldier to live this new life in Christ.  Holiness does not just happen.  Walking after the Spirit and not the flesh is intentional.  In the Army they say that “you fight the way you train” meaning that if you don’t prepare yourself for battle, you will not do well when the battle comes.  Don’t start your day unarmed, vulnerable to your spiritual enemy’s attack.  Ephesians goes on to talk about the weapons that the Lord has provided … 

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints –  Ephesians 6:14-18  

We must be careful that we don’t get caught sleeping on duty.  Another saying is that we should be “leaning forward in the foxhole”.  That means being ready every day, every hour, every minute for the spiritual battle that is looming over the next hill.  That just reminded me of a song .. “If we ever needed the Lord before .. we sure do need Him now and we need Him every day and every hour.”  

You need a battle buddy.  Another Christian who can stand guard with you, watching your back, helping you stay awake and alert.  

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  – 1 Peter 5:8

My encouragement to you today is this …  

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  Let all that you do be done with love.  – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14