Volume #7 Issue#1 August 2010 - Soldier

 Since last summer, the sight of soldiers marching along the streets on peace-keeping missions has become a regular sight in our city.  Watching their purposeful stride and keen attention to all that is going on around them has really provided insight into what Paul was saying to Timothy when he said “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”  These guys guard the streets vigilantly.  Neither children tossing balls in their vicinity, fruit sellers screaming out prices, nor even the street washing trucks distract them from the task they have been called to do.  I am here as a Soldier for Jesus Christ.  My time, energy and focus should be spent in active service for Him.  Sometimes I have to remind myself of what that service entails.  It is not my job to see people brought to salvation.  I cannot change their hearts or make them love Jesus.  He has called me to faithfully proclaim the message, to make His name great in this place.  It can be discouraging when few people seem to respond to that message, or when friends ask me, “Can we talk about something other than Jesus for a change,” but those things should not distract me for the task of faithful proclamation of the good news.