“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” (2 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV)

Today many churches of various denominations emphasize the prosperity message. The doctrine teaches a joyful, comfortable lifestyle of wealth if you give your life over to Jesus Christ. However, true warriors in the army of God know they are committing to going into harm’s way for the Gospel and the righteous cause. It teaches we may perhaps pay the ultimate price for the ideal.

We must understand that God’s mission for us is to be engaged on the battlefield against the evil in this world. It is a difficult battle because we must resist our selfish nature. Yet, it is easy because we live by the new nature that Christ provides. Hence we may suffer persecution as mighty warriors worthy of the Kingdom.

The apostles were warriors; this is the response they gave after the Sanhedrin had them flogged. “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”  (Act 5:41) Christian warriors are always prepared to lay down their lives; in doing so, they find it; this is a comfort and a peace that the world cannot give. It does not mean we will be free of problems, but a warrior faces each one without complaint, knowing that the solution is at hand. 

In closing, it means when you are a born-again Christian; you are behind enemy lines in the middle of the battle, so you must have on your armor and are ready to fight. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

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