Enlisting in the Army of Disciples

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 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: 10-13

If you have explored the commitment that one makes when joining the United States Army, you will find that those who voluntarily answer the call to serve are highly valued; as stated in the U.S. Army recruitment literature: “Enlisted Soldiers are the most important part of the Army structure.  They carry out orders and complete missions.  As a Soldier, you will be challenged to accomplish tasks that will put your abilities to the test, and you will discover talents that you never dreamed you had.”

I am certain this general statement is made in many countries, as they call men and women of their nations to be trained, to learn, to change, and to most importantly, lay their own lives and interests aside for the fight that may be set before them.  We understand a voluntary army is made up of those who choose to serve, choose to train, and choose to fight.  The commitment of each soldier is directly related to the importance of the goal, to the dedication to the leader, and to the love of their fellow citizens.  It is not complicated or difficult for us to understand this principle. 

Having lived in military communities at various times in my life, I have often wondered what kind of soldier I would be. Would I be willing to endure the training, learn the language, study the maneuvers, and sacrifice my energy, my strength, and my stamina to the cause?  Would I be willing to devote myself fully to the leadership and authority of a leader who I have not met face to face?  

But my mind does not chase such thoughts for long, until I remind myself that I too have enlisted, I am committed to the battle, and I am fighting the fight as I am commanded by my Leader, my King and my Master who I long to see face to face.  Our King calls us to enlist, and we have answered the call to become an army of disciples; we form a covenant through our baptisms. We put on the armor, we stand at the watchtower, and we fight a good fight. Unlike the soldiers who enlist for service throughout the lands of our world, ours is an army not restricted by borders or political barriers or negotiations of men.  Our troops are based in homes and congregations all over the globe. Together we fight an enemy that is intent and satisfied to destroy us and the citizens of this kingdom of ours - no matter where we may physically dwell or when we may live on this earth. And though we are stationed in various posts, we long for the day that our battle is over, and our King will arrive, and we are joined in the victory of our fight, together. 

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord.  Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people.  And I will dwell in your midst” Zechariah 2:10-11

History teaches us we are not fighting alone.  The historical documentation of our army is great; we are grateful for our fallen soldiers who have led the charge throughout their own generations.  The faithful prophets, priests, kings, apostles, and disciples, both men and women we read of in our scriptures.  The faithful restorers, reformers, preachers, teachers, both men and women who we read of and have known in our own lives.  Those who have shared in Paul’s sentiments:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7

So then, we must keep our eye on the victory. 

“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1

And so, they cheer for us, former Generals, Foot Soldiers, and Faithful Saints.  

But we mustn’t fool ourselves or be deceived; enlisting is not what makes an effective and wise soldier. Not all who enlist understand and study the enemy. Not all follow the commands of the King.  We must prepare for battle by becoming true disciples.  

The armor is provided, the fight is defined (Ephesians 6: 10-20), and the instruction is clear and authored by our Commander and King. The enlistment is voluntary, but should we choose to join, we will be required to know and understand the battle, equip ourselves with the armor, and to know our commander and understand His instruction for us.

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32

There will be effective and ineffective soldiers; some will be focused, and some will be distracted and confused in the battle, some will let the cares of this world interfere with the service, as our Lord reminds us in Luke 9:57-62.  Some will submit, and others will rebel and challenge.  But all will decide in their own hearts and minds what kind of warriors they will be.  

I would not be an effective U.S. Army soldier. I do not want to train, I am not physically or mentally equipped to fight the fight, I am not inclined to fully understand the enemy, and the reward is not clear to me. I understand that I am not ready or willing to make such a commitment.

However, I am determined to be a faithful and effective soldier for our Lord, to study and know the enemy, to wear the armor of righteousness, truth, salvation, the gospel of peace, and to carry the word in my heart and mind.  I am able and willing to train, to give up my time, my energy, and my own desires to gain the victory that this army is promised.  For, I must always remember that it is far too dangerous an end for me to imagine if I were to be on the losing side of this war, and an altogether more marvelous victory than my mind’s eye can fathom when a victor’s crown is placed upon my head.