I mentioned in Part 1 about attitude. This is a major area that we need to be able to contend with. Attitude shows in our behaviour, it shows in what we say; how we handle ourselves and in our faces. When we have an attitude it is incredibly difficult to hide this fact and it is a killer to our whole Christian witness.
Regular soldiers are taught to deal with attitude. This is not always successful and takes a lot of training, will-power and practise. Even then, it can surface again many years later if regular attention isn't given to it. Christians are taught to deal with this by 'Dying to self'. This means that you are no longer subject to a certain behaviour because you have died to this and a new life has begun:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. NKJV
With Christian discipline, it is possible to die to your old self, with all the rough edges, and be a new person - have a new life - in Jesus. A word of warning here though. This is not a once only thing. It needs to be done each and every day, rather like putting on your armour. It is discipline and a soldier is trained to discipline their body and their behaviour on a regular basis. It's called training.
Regular soldiers are taught not to react in certain circumstances, such as being interrogated. Name, rank and number is really the only permissible reaction that they can offer, no matter what the questions are about. Regular soldiers are also taught not to react in certain situations, such as being insulted and intimidated while on duty, especially guard duty at certain barracks or when on duty in delicate areas. God's soldiers would benefit from this type of training and discipline. Many are the times when we are ridiculed, persecuted and considered mad by some unbelievers. Actually, unbelievers are taking risks with where they will spend eternity, because even the devil believes in God:
"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble."
James 2:19
One of the hardest things to do, is to bless people who persecute and curse us. Those who do everything to upset and ridicule us and make our lives miserable. We have to bless them not curse. (Romans 12:14). This is the type of discipline God's soldiers have to get right. It's not easy, but then again, nothing ever is. It takes effort, hard work and sheer will-power to be able to react in this way to our enemy. Unlike the regular army, God will take care of our enemies if we react in this way. Try to remember that when you are in a situation like this, (and you will be).
The SAS, SBS and other highly trained soldiers throughout the world, are called the elite, and quite rightly so. But you, as a member of the Army of the Living God are the Lord's Elite. There is no one quite like you. You make mistakes, but bounce back, you moan and groan but still go that extra mile, you mess up every day but still try your best. You are the elite and even though you fall into sin most days, you have a Commanding Officer who is right beside you, even on the front line. Wherever you go, He goes. Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there is no need to fear because He is with you, right beside you. (Psalm 23:4).
So make sure that you buff up your Armour before you put it on, pick up your sword - your bible, the Word of God and go mightily into battle, soldier.
By the way, Regular soldiers sign on for a few years and then are discharged. There is no discharge in God's Army. You are in it for life, no matter what age you are. So go ahead and serve your Commander in Chief - Jesus Christ.
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com
PS MY BOOK WILL BE OUT ROUND ABOUT THE SPRING
DAILY LIFE WITH JESUS
FEATURING A YEARS COMMENTARIES
I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN IT'S RELEASED
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN!
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