What We Fight With
When I speak of Christians being called to be soldiers for Christ, I often encounter two distinct reactions. The first response is the tendency to compartmentalize this call—some believe that being a soldier for Christ is a role reserved only for extraordinary figures like the Apostle Paul. But Paul himself encourages Timothy to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3-4). This serves as a clear reminder that this call is for every Christian, not just the apostles.
Overzealous Christians
The second reaction is the overzealous, “gung-ho” patriot response. These individuals are eager to jump into battle, grasping at any biblical weapon they think will help them fight the war. Unfortunately, their methods and weapons often miss the mark. Some rush ahead, “shooting” at others by condemning them as sinners destined for hell. Instead of offering help, they wound. Others rely solely on knowledge, believing they can convince others through intellectual arguments, but they often end up confusing people and leaving them feeling ignorant. Then, there are those who focus on starting movements, gathering large crowds to “change the world” through sheer numbers. Sadly, these efforts usually fizzle out, with little lasting impact, because they are driven more by human emotion than by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lastly, there is the well-intentioned approach of “loving” people in the hopes that they will see God’s love through it. However, more often than not, this love is insincere or even manipulative, and people see right through it. True love, however, is not about convincing others of anything. It is about loving others because God first loved us. We love not to prove a point, but as a reflection of the love Jesus showed us.
Die Daily
Many view the call to spiritual battle like a scene from a Rambo movie, eager to fight and die in a moment of heroic glory. They focus on honor, the label of heroism, and the glory. But God's call is far more practical. It's not just about sacrificing your life in a single, dramatic moment; it's about giving your life completely, every day. While it might seem noble to imagine taking a bullet to save someone, the true challenge is giving up your life while you’re still alive. That is the call God has placed on us.
What Are the Weapons?
The first weapon we wield is prayer. We pray for the lost, asking God to soften their hearts and open their eyes. We pray for growth, that He will break away everything that separates us from Him so that the Spirit He has placed within us can be fully empowered. We pray that we bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We ask God to help us abide in Him and follow Christ faithfully. Our weapons are faith, the fruit of the Spirit, and our obedience and sacrifice.
How Do We Use These Weapons?
While the world lives for itself, we live for the Kingdom of God. While they delight in worldly things, we find joy in God's ways. We do not force or manipulate others into following God’s path; instead, we show them why it’s a better life to live for God. We love, forgive, remain honest, pure, holy, incorruptible, and faithful. We do not live as though this world has any hold on us, but surrender ourselves to God in love. And when others wonder why we live this way, we share our reasons—pointing them to Christ.
The weapon Christians fight with is Christ in us. We don’t fight the battle on our own, for without Jesus, we are powerless. He is the weapon that can save others. People don’t need us; they need Jesus Christ. When we live surrendered, submitted, and obedient to Him, by faith, Christ will show up. He is the light that strikes the darkness and leads us to victory in the battles we face.
