I’m actually sorry the two years’ national service training is no longer in operation. Even a year would’ve been good. Not to defend the country, but for the impact it would have on every young person.

Look, it wasn’t easy and it wasn’t nice. We were pushed physically until we threw up (well, maybe only those built like tree trunks, like me). We were pushed emotionally, almost to breaking point. In a way, they played with our minds to start thinking and doing the way they did.

There was good in the army, a lot of good. And bad too, but one thing I learnt was that if you didn’t work as a team, you had absolutely no chance of success. If you didn’t keep your mind on army things while you were in the army, you would make a mistake, one that could cost you your life and those of your fellow soldiers. Your best chance to get to the other side alive was to do what your Commander said.

This is also true for our spiritual lives: ⁴… and as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.

As a soldier, you have to focus on one thing. You have to be sharp. Soldiers give up their normal lives, dedicating themselves to being soldiers. Farmers give up their farms, mechanics close up their garages, students leave their books and the things soldiers do (Barnes e-Sword).

Some are called to do this in God’s army. However, most of us aren’t called solely to be full-time soldiers for God. Most of us are called to be spouses, bring up children, and to make a living.

But all of us are part-time soldiers in God’s army. Even in normal life we have to know that the war isn’t far away on the border. It’s part of our everyday life. And even as we live our everyday life, we have to be ready for war and for the attacks by the enemy.

In one sense, it’s more difficult to have a divided focus. the enemy knows it and keeps on hitting us where it hurts. So he drives us to become busier and busier, because he knows when we rush around we can’t train to be soldiers.

What an idiot!

So, what now?

First, we have to know there is a war going on and we can’t sidestep it. Second, we have to realise we are soldiers in that war and we have to be ready to join the fight against the enemy. And then we have to make sure that we’re in step with our Commander.

Our Commander knows exactly how to fight the war, because you see, He has actually climbed off the cross as victor. He knows which weapons to use. He knows what tactics work and which plans will fail. Therefore, it makes sense to follow the Commander.

And then we get to the same point: Read your Bible and pray every day, because that’s where you meet your Commander-in-Chief.

Scripture
2 Tim 2:1-7

Reflection
What does your war look like?
What does your life normally look like?
Are you ready?

Prayer
Lord, I do not want to get tide up in worldly affairs. Help me to fix my eyes on You. Amen.