Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

I read the above words yesterday and it really struck a chord with me. When I think back to the major wars in US history, it is clear that the whole nation made sacrifices for the effort. Gas, food, and various other items were rationed so the troops could have the necessities to fight. Women went to work in factories, often for the first time, so that men could go into the Military and the manufacturing of equipment could continue.

Today, unless you have a loved one who is or can be in harm’s way, we have little conception of what is going on in Afghanistan or Iraq. We go about our day to day business with little or no thought to our young men and women putting their lives on the line for us. We do not think much about the fact that politicians are even keeping these brave warriors from fighting to win.

Maybe if we felt the pinch of war as a nation we would pull together. Maybe we would demand victory instead of mediocrity. Maybe we would want a quick victory instead of a drawn out conflict.

What is true in the physical world is true in the spiritual, also. Paul reminds us that we have a great struggle as Christians. In fact, he puts it on the level of war. The big difference, however is that we fight against principles, powers, and the unseen (read Ephesians 6:12).

To many Christians, the life of following Jesus is like a shopping trip to the mall. We might start early in the day, window shop for a while, see what we like, buy what we want, and discard the rest. We may even spend a little time at the Food Court to keep our energy up. All the while the war is raging and we are so busy acting like consumers of religion that we inadvertently  become casualties.

Paul refers to Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25); Timothy (2 Timothy 2:1-4); and Archippus (Philemon 1:2) as “soldiers.” What a privilege to be in this Army! Have you enlisted? Have you gone to battle? Remember, we are fighting in a war that involves spiritual conflict. Get into the battle, your fellow citizens need you.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene