Like a Mighty Army by David Jeremiah

Friday, November 10 Like a Mighty Army You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3 Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, known as Monty, wrote in his memoirs, “I have always held the view that an army is not merely a collection of individuals, with so many tanks, guns, machine-guns, etc. The real strength of an army is, and must be, far greater than the sum total of its parts; that extra strength is provided by morale, fighting spirit, mutual confidence between the leaders and the led…and many other intangible spiritual qualities.”1

Recommended Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

In many ways, that describes a church. In our narcissistic world, we have to remember church is not about us—our tastes, preferences, desires, comforts, and conveniences. We’re in a spiritual battle, and our churches need members who do not seek their own way. We must keep Christ as our Commander and we must honor one another in gentleness and kindness. Disgruntled church members can damage a congregation’s ministry. Rather than being harsh or opinionated, try being humble, gentle, and encouraging. The Church of God is a mighty army with one Commander, marching to the rhythm of His grace.    We are not divided, all one body we; one in hope, and doctrine, one in charity. / Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, / With the cross of Jesus going on before. Sabine Baring-Gould, in “Onward Christian Soldiers”    1 Jonathan Fennell, Combat and Morale in the North African Campaign (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011), 87.