Civilians who are employed on a military base often do the same work as soldiers.  But soldiers are a separate class of citizen.  The civilian employee can quit. A soldier may dislike the working hours, the pay, the boss, or working conditions, but he must work until his enlistment ends.

The civilian employee can leave if a war starts but not the soldier.

One type of Christian resigns from serving God if the requirements become too demanding.  The dedicated disciple serves regardless of discomfort or the requirements placed upon him.

The Bible calls us to be soldiers: Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus (II Timothy 2:3).  The duties of Christian soldiers are specific.  We are called to serve God 100% of our time: Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58).

There is a type of Christian who knows very little about sacrifice.  That person claims for himself the right to get up in the morning when he feels like it, and to entertain himself in whatever fashion seems to be appropriate.

Not so with the Christian who has come under the authority of God’s Word.  He knows that he is called by God to get out of bed in the morning in time to have prayer and Bible study before all other activities:

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35).

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word (Psalm 119:147).

The Christian soldier knows that all entertainment must come under the scrutiny of God’s Word. What entertainment is acceptable?  The Bible has guidelines that are shunned by the person who has not enlisted as a Christian soldier.  God’s instructions to us are very clear.  A good illustration is found in I Corinthians 10:31: Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  When this verse was written, there were few entertainments available to the average person, but even eating and drinking came under the rule – do nothing unless it is done for God’s glory.

The “employee” type Christian rebels at such severe rules.  “Why should I deny myself these harmless pleasures?”  But the Christian soldier understands.  The way he spends his time is determined by his orders which state, “Whatever you do must be done for God’s glory.”

And how do we determine what comes under the mantle of “God’s glory?”  If we are about to engage in some activity, we can pray, read God’s Word and then decide!  If the activity involves other people, we can invite them to pray with us.

If we follow His will our rewards are many: If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth (Deuteronomy 28:1).

I enlist you as God’s soldier.  Please raise your hand and say, “God, all my time belongs to You.  I enlist in Your service.” (Reprint from November 1991)