Onward Christian Soldiers

“Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith.” 1 Timothy 5:11b – 12a NLT

My father served in many areas of leadership in our church. He was a teacher and leader who helped make decisions to guide and direct the church. Wherever I went I was recognized as the daughter of a church leader and a well-respected business man, as well.

I was taught a responsibility to act in a way that would honor him and never bring disgrace to his name. He was a godly, loving and kind father who spent a lot of one-on-one time with his children. Therefore, it was a blessing and not a burden to act in a way that honored him and all that he stood for.

My dad was a former Marine, who maintained the same sense of honor and integrity in everything he did for the rest of his life.

After he died I wrote a biography for his grandchildren who would never know their grandfather. As I researched Marines, I came across a statement that described him perfectly. “Marines are forged in a furnace of shared hardship and tough training. This shared, intense experience creates bonds of comradeship and standards of conduct so strong that Marines will let nothing stand in their way…Marines are trained not only physically and mentally, but morally as well. Forming the bedrock of any Marine’s character are the Core Values—Honor, Courage, and Commitment…and the numerous others attached to them, such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, duty and esprit de Corps.”

As Christians, we are often grown in a furnace to strengthen us for our service to God. We are to share in each other’s hardships. We are to maintain high standards of conduct that reflect well on our Father. Our shared hardships should create bonds of comradeship that help us stick together in help, support and encouragement.

Unfortunately there is sometimes too much truth to the adage that “Christians are the only army that shoots their own wounded.”

What character qualities distinguish you as a child of your heavenly Father? What church leader or fellow Christian needs your support? Do you contribute to the “esprit de Corps” of your fellow believers?

Find a way to honor your heavenly Father and strengthen your comrades in Christ today. When you honor your Father, you will be blessed and the entire body will be stronger because of it.

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