In every job or trade, workers need certain qualifications in order to be effective and successful. Yet the qualifications vital for one job may be entirely unhelpful for another. For instance, an individual who is certified in all elements of welding may not fare too well as an accountant. This is no less true for the calling of a “Christian soldier” who never picks up a weapon for the armies of this world.
What are three characteristics that effective Christian soldiers must have? They must be willing to fight, they must use the right weapons, and they must have a good strategy.
Consider the account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath was almost ten feet tall and his armor weighed 125 pounds. He was a giant, especially compared to small David, the youngest son of Jesse. Goliath taunted the armies of Israel and defied any man to face him. It is no surprise that those who saw Goliath, including Saul, were afraid of him. Yet notice David’s response to the taunts of this great Philistine giant: “Then David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine’” (1 Samuel 17:32).
David pressed on with courage, willing to fight, because he knew he was not alone. “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (v. 37). David knew God would help him fight the battle. And in reading the rest of 1 Samuel 17 we see that David did indeed defeat Goliath with God’s help—setting an example for us today. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerors, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:7–8). Few of us will ever fight bears, lions or giants, but we can be encouraged by our faith that the God who helped David is the same God who will help each and every one of us today. No matter what the battle may be, God will help us if we are willing to fight!
Christians must also use the right weapons. David was fighting a physical battle against a carnal Philistine. He defeated Goliath with a simple sling and a stone, but Christians today fight with very different weapons. Christian soldiers fight a spiritual war! As the Apostle Paul explained, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).
Satan, who is presently the “god” of this world, broadcasts negative images, thoughts and values through the air to all who will listen (Ephesians 2:2). Did you ever work with an old-fashioned television antenna? I remember one time when I was sitting on the couch while my wife adjusted the “rabbit ears.” When she held them, we had a great picture. But the moment she let go, the picture would again become fuzzy.
As human beings, we are like walking antennas, picking up whatever messages are being broadcast to us. To resist wrong messages, we must use the key Christian weapons of prayer, fasting, Bible study and meditation, as God’s people have done through the ages These are our weapons of spiritual warfare—and unless we use them well, we cannot expect to win our battles. As we draw closer to God, we will develop more of His mind and His character—and we will be able to more fully use His power.
We are engaged in a spiritual war, and we cannot afford to make excuses: “I’m too busy!” “It’s too late!” “I’m too tired!” No. We must use the weapons God has given us; they are our defense, and our very lives depend on how fervently we use them. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles [tactics] of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11). Though we may be weak in the flesh, we know we are not alone. The more we use God’s power, His strength, and the spiritual weapons He has given us, the more He will intervene to bring about victories in our lives.
Consider the millions of “New Year’s” resolutions people in the world make every January 1. How many of their firm promises or grand ideas last more than a few days or weeks? Consider the thousands of people each year who decide they want to be entrepreneurs. Fired up and “gung ho,” they start a new business—yet many soon find that they had not planned properly or counted the cost (Luke 14:28).
As Christian soldiers, we must count the cost, have determination—and have the right strategy. It is one thing to say, “I’ll let God fight my battles”—but unless we really understand how to do this, we cannot expect to succeed. What practical steps should we take? God’s word in 2 Chronicles 20 outlines an excellent seven-step battle strategy that was used thousands of years ago, and can still be effective for Christians today. It involved Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, who was trying to restore Judah from the idolatrous apostasy into which it had fallen.
In the midst of setting his nation straight, Jehoshaphat faced imminent destruction. A great army, consisting of Moab, Ammon and others, gathered to do battle. These enemies of Judah greatly outnumbered the army of Jehoshaphat—at face value, the odds were greatly against him. What strategy did he use? A strategy that is still valid for Christians today who want God to fight their battles (1 Corinthians 10:11).
Step one (2 Chronicles 20:3) is to have a proper fear of God—standing in awe. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Most modern psychologists teach that fear is only negative, but the Bible teaches that a proper fear is healthy. A proper fear keeps us on the right track and reminds us of our place compared to God.
Step two (2 Chronicles 20:4) is to ask God for help. It seems obvious, but this step is all too often missed or assumed. Paul instructs, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)! All of the patriarchs in the Bible are noted as having a powerful prayer life—daily contact with God. The power of prayer can never be underestimated. It is through prayer that we build a genuine relationship with our Father. We can approach God’s throne boldly, for He is faithful to give, but we must always ask for His will to be done (1 John 5:14).
Step three (2 Chronicles 20:7–15) is to seek God’s counsel. “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22). This means constant and fervent Bible study (Matthew 4:4). This means going to parents and ministers, depending on the circumstances. In any case, we are admonished not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
It is interesting to note that the Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God follows this principle by relying on the Church’s Council of Elders. The duty of the Council is to render advice on all issues concerning doctrine, Church organization and all major plans and programs. We all, whatever our duties, need to take heed and seek wise counsel.
Step four (2 Chronicles 20:12–13) is to wait on God. For most of us, this can be very difficult. However, patience truly is a virtue. King David was inspired to write, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). One of the hardest challenges we will face in life is learning to wait on God. Quite often, our timetable is not God’s timetable. We have to learn to trust His judgment and set His will above our own.
Step five (2 Chronicles 20:20) is to do our part to accomplish what is needed. Yes, we need God to fight our battles. But make no mistake, we do have personal responsibility, contrary to what is taught by many of the “mainstream” religions of our world. Note these words from the Apostle Paul: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Paul clearly explains that the Holy Spirit leads us—it does not force us to do anything. It empowers our right decisions. We are free moral agents and we need to do our part (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Step six (2 Chronicles 20:21) is to give God thanks during the battle. Our lives are filled with many battles, and at any given time it is easy to become preoccupied. We can become so caught up, absorbed and involved with the “now” that we forget to recognize our Deliverer. King David, in his heartfelt way, admonishes us: “Give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples” (Psalm 105:1). Notice, too, the wonderful example of the angels at the throne of God, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 7:12). God promises to help us, and we should give Him thanks all the while!
Step seven (2 Chronicles 20:27) is to give God credit for the victory. This may seem like an obvious point, but all too often people forget when they think their “need” for God’s help is past. It is a relief to emerge from a hard-fought battle, and we should never fail to give credit where credit is due!
True Christians will face many battles in this life. But if we are faithful, obedient and thankful to God, notice the conclusion of the matter: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). What a wonderful result we will have if we let God fight our battles!