Join with me in suffering…2 Timothy 2:3

Originally intended as a processional hymn for children it was later used on such auspicious occasions as the 1969 funeral of US President Dwight D Eisenhower. 

Ephesians 6:12 describes the life of a disciple of Jesus as a warlike condition. 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

We often quote this verse for encouragement and solace when we face personal trials and opposition. I wonder though if it would be better applied to the opposition faced when presenting the Gospel to someone who does not know Jesus? The front line of the war between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world are wherever the Gospel is preached. Preaching the Gospel is very often met with and resistance and even persecution.  

Unfortunately, in many places the army of Jesus is quietly resting in the barracks rather than engaging on the battle field. The vast majority of Jesus followers engage in a once per week worship event and a smaller number meet in small groups at other times during the week for bible study or fellowship. I am very much in favor or worship services and small groups. These events serve a vital role in the life of a Christ follower. However, as currently structured, these events have not been particularly effective in mobilizing an army to take new territory by pushing back the darkness controlled by the enemy. 

Doing evangelistic work is scary and too confrontational for most people. Maybe this is one of the reasons we have moved evangelism into the church where people who are not Jesus followers are invited to come and learn about him. Some people definitely have the gift of evangelism. For other personality types there must be another way to be part of God's army and indeed there is. Let's encourage and teach the immobilized army how to love like Jesus loved. There is a statement attributed to Billy Graham that has become very meaningful to me:

It is God's job to judge, It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, and it is my job to love.

If we can start a movement where Jesus followers begin to love their families and communities in practical, self- sacrificing ways I believe onward Christian soldiers will take on new meaning and result in many new disciples for Jesus.