Revolutionary War

One of the most intense experiences many men have faced in their lives is the heart-pounding firestorm of combat. Engaging the enemy on the field of battle has been occasionally required throughout the history of our nation, yet every encounter, large or small, continues to be defined at the personal level of each soldier involved. Actual combat time is relatively short compared to the total investment of months and years that occupy a typical tour of duty.

Fighting the British army in the Revolutionary War was coupled with days and weeks of marching and positioning of troops and equipment, along with enduring the harsh conditions of winter. At camps like Valley Forge many soldiers lost their lives from exposure and disease. The American Civil War (that stretched four years across the middle of the eighteenth century) again saw soldiers enduring the hardships of military life as they stayed prepared and alert for the moments when thousands of lives hung in the balance while two opposing forces met on a field of battle. Each major conflict has been characterized by a lengthy mind-numbing time of waiting, contrasted with the unimaginable discipline and terror of life threatening combat with the enemy! Such is the life of a soldier serving his country in time of war; relaxing and resting in the quiet times, and stepping out bravely and courageously in moments of conflict.

The most difficult kind of conflict for a soldier, or a believer that is following Jesus, is when the enemy is not clearly defined. The difficulty is found when the enemy conducts a clandestine or guerrilla-style of warfare. The major obstacles are that we either fall into lethargic complacency which takes away the edge and effectiveness off our efforts, or we live in a kind of strategic isolation that tends to treat everything and everybody like “the enemy” even when there is really no aggression intended.

That is why, as Christians, our contact with others needs to be seasoned with salt and handled with love and gentle respect. We must remember that we are not fighting people but a spiritual foe. We oppose the spiritual darkness which exists in the lives of others, and not the individuals we encounter. The church’s role in combat is unique in that we must always live prepared for action, but not use our weapons to hurt or destroy people! We need to keep the real enemy in focus as we bring light and freedom into his territory!

How exciting to be His people,
Pastor David Vanderpool