Timothy, my child, Christ Jesus is kind, and you must let him make you strong.2 You have often heard me teach. Now I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others.
3 As a good soldier of Christ Jesus you must endure your share of suffering.4 Soldiers on duty don’t work at outside jobs. They try only to please their commanding officer. 5 No one wins an athletic contest without obeying the rules.6 And farmers who work hard are the first to eat what grows in their field. 7 If you keep in mind what I have told you, the Lord will help you understand completely.      2 Timothy 2:1-7 (CEV)
Today we remember the millions of military veterans who took and carried out their oaths to serve and protect our country. They have set an example to me of what it means to be a soldier in God’s Army.
Honor. Our LORD receives all the glory and praise. It is from Him that I receive wisdom and strength for all that I do in my life. When I share what He has done in my life, I have an opportunity to point, not to myself, but to Father God.
Loyalty. If I call myself a disciple of Jesus Christ, then I must take seriously Who I represent, Who I stand for. Like Jesus, I am here on this earth to share God’s great love, what God has done in my life, and His Good News of Salvation and Life.
Obedience. A soldier knows the voice of their leader and obeys that voice. A soldier is obedient to his/her commanding officer. A soldier doesn’t get to vote and decide if they will obey. There is no time for discussion in a battle.
Consider today that each of us is a soldier in God’s Army. We are here to follow our LORD into battle. We know that the war is won but there are many conflicts to be fought. Paul warns us that we do not battle people but the rulers of evil and so we do not fight like earthly army with guns and bullets (2 Corinthians 10) but instead we follow the example of our LORD Jesus Christ. We must not be lazy or complacent but instead be wise and alert.
Let us stand tall, not with pride in ourselves, but following in the footsteps of our Savior and LORD. May His truth continue to set His children free!
The Battle Hymn of the Republic written by Julia Ward Howe and sung by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
