Friday, May 12, 2006

May 12

Good Soldiers

… let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet.


1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NLT)


For a new soldier, protective gear is a priority if they are to survive in combat. The Apostle Paul made this connection between physical and spiritual warfare. He knew these young believers in Thessalonica would come under persecution. He also knew their best means of survival came from being equipped with these three: faith, love and hope. For the believer, these three protect heart and head.

Believers today should take this message seriously for even though some may never be physically persecuted like these early believers, we all have a deceptive enemy who pursues and attacks on the spiritual front. And what is it that will disarm and neutralize this great enemy? It is faith that comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17); it is from the selfless love Christ commands us to share (John 15:17); and it is from our hope of heaven and eternity with Him (Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:3-6, 21). These three, like a three-legged stool, give us balance and control—something every good soldier, young or old, should possess. This strong armor builds our confidence in Him and helps motivate our advance.

So, how well are you outfitted with faith, love and hope? Is this armor functioning as it should, or is it slipping out of place? If it's slipping, spend some time with your Commander and get yourself squared away.


Lord, increase our faith, our love, our hope. Help us to be good soldiers of the cross. Amen.