“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs– he wants to please his commanding officer.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)
How we appreciate our soldiers! They stand between us and the enemy. Our veteran soldiers have ensured and maintained our freedoms. They have endured hardships so that we can continue to enjoy peace and safety.
The Apostle’s instructions to a young soldier of the Cross are inspiring to every believer who desires to please the Commander-in-Chief. Paul’s point concerns the personal discipline required of a soldier. He compares such military discipline and sacrifice to the pastor’s work for God. Let us compare his words with the work of the American soldier.
American soldiers do not orchestrate or direct civilian affairs. Our civilian system is directed by the American Constitution. It places the democratically elected President as the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces. Our President’s power and authority are limited by the Constitution, by the Congress, and by the Supreme Court. Our soldiers are ruled by our government not vice versa. Instead, it may honestly be said that our soldiers want to please the Commander-in-Chief. And because of their discipline and sacrifices, our veterans have maintained the liberties this system of government provides.
Therefore, let us appreciate our veteran soldiers today. It is because of them we continue to enjoy our freedom.
Dear Father, thank you for your sacrifice of Christ, our Savior. Bless all our veterans and their families. We are grateful for their discipline and sacrifice. Empower us with spiritual discipline that we might also sacrifice for your Kingdom. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Encourage a veteran today,