A Good Soldier

            You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Tim 2:3)

Recruits who sign up for military service do so knowing about the hardship and suffering that is involved. Time away from family, harsh conditions on the battlefield, and the lack of recognition from others are just a few examples of the suffering of a soldier. Not only so, a soldier is prepared to face the ultimate suffering—to give up his life, if need be, while in the line of duty.

Everyone knows that a soldier who cannot endure suffering cannot be a good soldier.

When I was elected to the church council as a youth, I rejoiced at the opportunity to serve. However, as time went by, I became frustrated about the high and exacting expectations of others. I grudgingly wondered why only a handful of people did the work while others watched and complained. I secretly disdained older members who shirked holy work by loftily saying, “Let the youths have an opportunity to serve.”

I became a disillusioned soldier who was frazzled and embittered by the hardship of service. I wanted to quit and regroup.

I didn’t realize that it is normal—and perhaps even inevitable—for a soldier to be exhausted by the battlefield. Even Moses, a man of generous patience, once cried out to God that the Israelites were too much for him to bear!

But a soldier really shouldn’t be caught off guard by hardship. Hardships come not as a matter of “if” but “when.”

The worth of a Christian soldier is in his ability to persevere. He not only puts up with hardship but faithfully endures through them. He continues to serve, relying on God to lead him through his suffering. He does so willingly, for he wants to be a good soldier to please the One who enlisted him.

            Questions for Reflection:

            What do you do when you feel burnt out by church work?
How can you continue to persevere in your service?