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We celebrate a lot of holidays.  Armed Forces Day, was just celebrated on Saturday, May 15, 2010. As I thought about what that means in a bigger context, I thought about a song entitled, I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord.” As I like to say, that song is from way back. As Christians, we are considered soldiers. War themed language fills our mouths as we; shout battle cries, state "no weapon formed against us shall prosper" and declare that we are going to fight.  If you are old school, you may be familiar with the song that begins,  “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 banner go!”
 
As we reflect on Armed Forces Day, remember that you, too, are in the armed forces. We are called to stand and fight for Christ. Have you finished boot camp?  Do you have your marching orders? Are you a defender of the faith? We live in troubled times and others need to hear about Christ. We can share His love with others. We are already equipped. I am a military mom of a daughter who serves in the Navy. I am happy for her.  I marveled at the precision, orderliness and pageantry during her boot camp graduation. Have we finished boot camp? Do we have our marching orders? Do we reform or rebel as He guides us with His steady hand? Are we good soldiers? Can we lead others? Does our good work go before us, and are we recognized and applauded for what we allow Him to do through us?
 
What have we sacrificed for the Kingdom of God? Soldiers leave their families. Husbands leave wives. Children leave parents. Mothers leave children. It’s all in the line of duty. What will you leave behind if God calls you in to serve for the Kingdom? Will you leave your big salary to go serve in a remote area of the world? Will you sit on a dirt floor across foreign waters to share the gospel with others? Will you give up your vacation week to serve on a short term missionary trip?  That’s something my daughter did as a young teen. She extended herself on a regional mission trip to serve the elderly. I was proud of her as she served the Kingdom in that manner. God was pleased.

Whether you are blue collar, white collar or no collar, there’s a place for you – good solider—in the army of the Lord. Finish boot camp, heed your orders, suit up and serve. Find a place to make your mark.  Send your prayers, and lend support to all of our brave soldiers. Some risk their lives and others have died for your freedom. Thank you for your service in the Kingdom or the Armed Forces. Bless you.  

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