What’s the difference between a warrior and a soldier? A warrior fights their battles alone, trusting in their strength to win. But a soldier is never alone as they fight together and lean on each other’s strengths. Is it any wonder that Paul speaks so often about “soldiering” for Christ rather than being a “warrior” for the Lord?

Let’s examine a few lessons we learn about soldiers in Scripture and remind ourselves how Soldiers FIGHT together.

Soldiers Stay Focused

  • With the objective clearly in mind, a squad of soldiers moves out with that singular focus in view. There’s no room for distraction or busy work when the enemy is close at hand.
  • Paul reminds us that Christ’s soldiers stay focused on the mission at hand rather than getting distracted by “civilian pursuits” (2 Tim. 2:4a).
  • We’re not fighting a physical battle, but a spiritual one (Eph. 6:12).

Soldiers Build Infrastructure

  • Often the unsung heroes of warfare, battlefield engineers work tirelessly before, during, and after the battle to make sure the fighters keep their focus. There wouldn’t be any fighting without their behind-the-scenes efforts from building roads, setting up shelters, and maintaining the unit’s supply lines.
  • Part of the church’s job is to provide the necessary equipment for us to fight this spiritual battle (Eph. 4:11-16).
  • You may not be on the front lines, but if you’re actively working behind the scenes to lift people and strengthen your brothers and sisters, then you’re doing a good job (Heb. 12:12-13; Isa. 35:3).

Soldiers Stay on Guard

  • In battle, there’s never an opportunity to let your guard down. Some innocent-looking object in the road could be an explosive device ready to destroy an unsuspecting convoy even driving down the road.
  • Standing firm against the devil’s schemes, we’re called to watch out and get prepared with the proper equipment (Eph. 6:11-17).
  • Our watchfulness never ends, as our enemy looks for weakness day and night (1 Peter 5:8).

Soldiers Respect Hierarchy

  • Imagine the chaos that’d ensue if a Private First Class could take over the mission and start calling the shots. Instead, soldiers submit to their leadership and trust that there’s no reason to question their orders.
  • We aim to please the one who enlisted us — Jesus Christ our Commander and Chief (2 Tim. 2:4b).
  • And we also have those who watch out for our souls, those shepherds who will give an account for how well they’ve taken care of us (Heb. 13:17).

Soldiers Endure Trials

  • From Boot Camp onto the battlefield, a soldier struggles through a continual barrage of mental and physical difficulties. And they’re not alone as they lean on each other for the strength to make it through to the end.
  • As good soldiers of Christ, we’re always ready to suffer like he did (2 Tim. 2:3).
  • Rather than being discouraged by suffering, we consider it a joyful thing to share in his sufferings (1 Peter 4:12-16).

Conclusion

May we, as good soldiers of Christ, be able to say along with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).