Enlisted

As I recall my college years, I remember a discussion I once had with someone representing the Medical Division of the US Army Reserve.   Although I don’t entirely remember how it went, I do remember the conversation began with a striking long list of benefits promised to those who enlist.  

At the time I was attending a private college and when the rep. mentioned loan forgiveness, I decided it was at least worth listening to. When they were through, I thought to myself, “Who wouldn’t want to join?”  

Yet when we began to discuss the discipline and commitment required, I immediately understood that it would conflict with my existing commitments.

 As believers we don’t often take the time to understand what it means to live the spiritual life and access the promises of God given to us as children of God.  We want everything the Bible has to offer, yet we don’t care to see what is required of us.  

I found that living the spiritual life is in fact very much like enlisting.  When you encounter someone in active duty out of uniform, there is not much different about them from the rest of the common folk. Yet it’s in the way they live their lives that makes them distinct.  Let’s discuss a few of these distinctions.

The duties of a soldier always take priority.

Likewise, time in the word and prayer take daily priority in the believer’s life. 

I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food. (Job 23:12 NLT)

All decisions and activities planned are secondary to your time with God.  

No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the affairs of this life, that he might please the one having enlisted him. (2 Tim 2:4 BLB)

Recently, Pastor Tim Dilena of TSC shared this example.  A navy sailor asked his commander for a day off so that he can go to a wedding.  The commander approved however told him he had to be back by a certain time.  The sailor replied, “But you don’t understand, I am in the wedding!” to which the commander responded “No, you don’t understand, you are in the Navy!” 

Those enlisted must continuously report or complete “check ins” to their commanding officers.  

Likewise, when we seek him daily through the word, we seek out his commands for us for that day.

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will look forth to see what he will speak with me… (Hab. 2:1 ASV)

 

Soldiers on duty consistently engage in body building and exercise so that they are physically fit to complete all assigned tasks.

A healthy spiritual life requires consistency in “spiritual exercises” such as fasting in order to keep the spiritual ears in tune.  

…rather, train yourself to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Tim. 4:7 KJV)

 

Soldiers of the armed forces lay their life and interests down for their fellow countrymen.

Likewise, pursuing God’s kingdom often requires the laying down of personal interests for the interest of others.  

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (1 John 3:14 NIV)

 

You see, when we surrender our lives to the purposes of God’s kingdom, in exchange we receive his wisdom, understanding, and council for the present life and eternal rewards in the next.  

… “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.” (Luke 18:29-30 NLT)

 

 

Supporting text

But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? (Luke 14:28)

 

I will hear what God the Lord will speak…(Ps. 85:8 KJV)

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.  Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.  Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. (Pr. 3:13-18)