What We Fight With
The Christian Path
Equipped for the Battle Every Christian Must Face
When I speak of Christians being called to be soldiers for Christ, I often encounter two reactions. The first is to compartmentalize the call—as if being a soldier is reserved for extraordinary figures like the Apostle Paul. But Paul tells Timothy, “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus… No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs” (2 Timothy 2:3–4). This call is for every believer.
Overzealous Christians
The second reaction is the overzealous, “gung-ho” approach. Some rush ahead, condemning sinners with harsh words—wounding instead of healing (James 1:20). Others lean only on intellect, trying to argue people into the kingdom, but leave them confused (1 Corinthians 2:4–5). Still others rally crowds to “change the world” by numbers and emotion, but efforts fizzle when they’re not fueled by the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).
Then there’s the well-intentioned plan to “love people” so they’ll see God—yet the love shown can be thin or even manipulative. True love isn’t a tactic; it’s a response to God’s love for us (1 John 4:19). We love because He first loved us.
Die Daily
Many imagine spiritual battle like a movie—one heroic moment of sacrifice. But God’s call is grittier and nearer: not a single dramatic death, but a daily surrender. “I die every day,” Paul writes (1 Corinthians 15:31). Taking a bullet sounds noble; giving up your life while you’re still alive is harder. That is our call—every day, in ordinary obedience (Luke 9:23).
What Are the Weapons?
Our first weapon is prayer: “praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18). We pray for the lost, that God would open their eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4–6). We pray for our own growth—that He would cut away what hinders and strengthen the Spirit’s work within us (John 15:2). We pray to bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Our arsenal is faith (Ephesians 6:16), obedience (John 14:15), surrendered lives (Romans 12:1), and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
How Do We Use These Weapons?
While the world lives for itself, we live for the Kingdom. While it delights in passing pleasures, we delight in God’s ways (Psalm 1:1–3). We do not force or manipulate; we embody a better life and invite others to it. We love, forgive, speak truth, remain honest, pure, holy, and faithful (1 Peter 2:12). We don’t live as if this world holds us; we belong to Christ (Galatians 2:20). And when people ask why we live this way, we point them to Jesus (1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 5:16).
The weapon we fight with is Christ in us. “Apart from Me you can do nothing,” Jesus said (John 15:5). People don’t ultimately need us; they need Jesus. When we live surrendered—submitted and obedient by faith—Christ shows up. He is the light that pierces the darkness, and through Him the victory is already won (John 1:5; Romans 8:37).
Summary
“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” ~ 1 Timothy 6:12
