Rise Up and Fight!

I have never served in the military, so I don’t really understand what it means to be fighting in a battle where others are trying to kill me. My level of understanding comes only from stories I have heard from my family veterans or documentary and/or news programs I have seen on television. To say that my vision of combat is cloudy is a huge understatement. However, it occurs to me that I am involved in a fierce conflict in which my well-being is at stake. Therefore, I need a stronger grasp on what Paul means when he writes in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Several times in the Scriptures, Paul uses the analogy of fighting when describing a person’s spiritual life. In the past, my thoughts about this “fight” were more aligned with a sports contest, but with the recent outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, the Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to a deeper meaning to fighting the “good fight of faith”.

If a combat soldier is not vigilant in his or her duties, the enemy can get the upper hand resulting in serious injury or death to the soldier or others in the squad. Even if the soldier lays down his weapon for a moment to take a drink of water or wipe his brow, there could be disastrous consequences. There is no warning when an enemy is going to attack; it just happens, and a soldier has to be prepared at all times.

As a soldier in the Lord’s army, I must ask myself, “Am I ready at all times to fight my enemy?” The Bibles tells us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” When lions hunt, they don’t announce themselves to their prey; they just attack and kill their intended target, and they are relentless in the attack until they have achieved their goal. That is how Satan is toward Christians. He doesn’t take a day off; he doesn’t take a vacation; he doesn’t take a short nap. He is always on the prowl. If I am unsuspecting of him, I become easy prey, which can have horrific repercussions on me, my testimony, my life, and the lives of those around me!

It’s not enough for me to pray and read my Bible for a few minutes each day or simply attend church services once or twice a week. I have to be on guard 24/7 because that’s exactly when my enemy is actively working. Soldiers don’t do their jobs for only a few hours in the day; they are ready for the fight every moment. Even when sleeping, their weapons are close by in the event of a sneak attack. That is how I need to be! I must be on alert constantly. My mindset cannot be lulled into a false sense of security by the ways of the world or my own fleshly desires. I must be mentally alert and in tune with God’s will always. I must listen to my Commander-in-Chief and obey His commands. This can only be done purposefully each day through diligent Bible study and prayer.

Additionally, I must be equipped properly for the battle. Ephesians 6 details the garments of a soldier in the Lord’s army. Without the proper protection and weapons, a soldier is vulnerable to attack, capture, or death. Ephesians 6:14-17 describes the spiritual armor I must have. The battle in which I am engaged every day is ferocious and souls are at stake. Just like a soldier who is not equipped for the fight will surely go down in defeat, if I am not fully equipped for the spiritual battles I will certainly face, I will not prevail.

• As a good soldier follows the battle plans of the commander, so must I allow the Lord to order my steps each day.
  • “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)
• As a good soldier is prepared for battle, so must I be certain I am equipped for the battle.
  • “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
• As a good soldier is on duty 24/7, so must I stand firm in my faith and be on my guard every moment ever watchful for the enemy.
  • “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
    • Note: The word “quit” in this verse means to behave courageously, not to give up.

My victory is not to be casually assumed for my enemy is not like any enemy on this planet. Satan is quite formidable and relentless. Ephesians 6:12 explains the enemies that I face. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

I can never be “at ease” in my faith. I must always be “battle ready” for my enemy is continually before me. It is not just the lives of others that is at stake, but the eternal status of their souls.

Am I a soldier of the Cross— 
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause, 
Or blush to speak His name?
Since I must fight if I would reign, 
Increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, 
Supported by Thy Word.

(from "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?" by Isaac Watts)

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” – 2 Timothy 2:3-4

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“When God’s warriors drop to their knees, the battle isn’t over; it’s just beginning!” – author unknown