"Onward Christian Soldiers"

2 Timothy 2:3-4

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding office. 

When we were kids in Sunday school, we sang "Onward Christian Soldiers". 

Lyrics

1. 1. Onward, Christian soldiers!

   Marching as to war,

   With the cross of Jesus

   Going on before.

   Christ, the royal Master,

   Leads against the foe;

   Forward into battle,

   See his banners go!

2. [Chorus]

   Onward, Christian soldiers!

   Marching as to war,

   With the cross of Jesus

   Going on before.



(There are 3 more verses, but this is the one that sticks out as the main one.)

Christians are soldiers of Christ. Placing the mission first is the mindset and commitment that God expects from anyone to serves him. 

As a follower of Christ, we are to do what he says above all other things. 

He is Lord of our life.

He is in charge, like the leader of an army. 

In the Great Commission in the book of Matthew, God tells us what to do, as his followers, as people in his army. 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

God gives us instructions, and tells us he will be with us on our journeys, until the end of time. 

So he gives us instructions, going into war against evil in the world and bringing his light, and he will be with us the whole way. 

That's an amazing promise.