Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil…Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground… Ephesians 6:10-11,13-14a (NLT)
The thought of boot camp provokes a variety of reactions. The reaction can range from satisfaction to horror. We need spiritual Boot Camp. It is necessary so that we can prepare God’s people to live for him in this world. We must be trained spiritually and mentally and be proficient in using the weapons at our disposal. Recruits in the armed forces undergo training to prepare them for earthly warfare. Christ-followers prepare for spiritual warfare.
Paul counseled that we are to put on every piece of God’s armor so that we will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Ultimately, the purpose of our training is that we will have a complete dependency upon God. God does not leave us lacking for anything. If we are diligent and avail ourselves of what he provides us, we can withstand the enemy. Peter writes, “We have been given everything that we need that pertains to life and godliness.”
Enlistment
How does enlistment work in God’s Army? We have had a volunteer military in the United States for almost 50 years. People’s reasons for joining the military vary widely. Some participate out of duty or patriotism, some join for educational benefits, and others join because they have few viable options.
Jesus is recruiting for his army as well. He promises eternal life with him but does not promise it will be easy. When Jesus recruited Paul on the road to Damascus, he told Ananias that he would show Paul all the things he would suffer for his namesake. Jesus said, “If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus is looking to recruit us. Will we be like Isaiah when the call comes for us?
And then I heard the voice of the Master: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” I spoke up, “I’ll go. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 (The Message)
We must also remember that he chooses us. “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. John 15:16 (The Message)
Jesus wants us to follow after him, but we must follow on his terms and not our own. We are called and chosen for a purpose. Remember that we are his ambassadors, receiving the message of reconciliation. Jesus calls us to be light and life and to bear fruit for Him in this world.
Training
Our primary manual for training is the word of God. It is reliable and valuable for developing God’s character and life in us. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Our spiritual training is to develop a life and character pleasing to Christ in every way. As followers of Christ, our single purpose is to do those things which honor him. Although we serve him in many ways, it ultimately comes down to advancing the cause of the gospel in this world. God calls us to bear fruit and to let our light shine; we do this most effectively when we exhibit the character of Christ in our lives, individually and collectively.
Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. Philippians 1:27-28 (The Message)
receiving training in the things of Christ causes us to realize that our purpose is to please him and not ourselves. When we do this, we seek the good of others before our own needs and desires. As Paul said, we aim to please Christ whether we live or die.
Readiness
We gain the singleness of purpose and endurance essential to success through training. It will result in a heightened state of readiness. If we are in a state of preparedness, we primarily focus on pleasing our Master. We will have an increased awareness of what is going on around us. And because of training, the distractions will not hinder our work.
We must be ready because our enemy prowls about like a roaring lion looking for somebody to devour. We do not know when we will be called upon to enter the battle or, more importantly, when our Lord will call for us. Will we be ready like the ten wise virgins who had enough oil for their lamps as they waited for the bridegroom? We do not want to get caught shorthanded and unprepared when Jesus calls for us.
Although boot camp refers to the initial training required of recruits, our training to be ready never stops. We must be continually in the word and prayer. There will never come a time in this life when we can safely cease preparation. Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)
We must do what is necessary to prepare for whatever task confronts us. In conclusion, we receive training so that we can teach others. We must be students of the word of God so that we will not be deceived or take lightly the task that is before us. God will fight for us, but he asked us to have complete confidence and trust in him. Our task is not always easy, because there are times when we want to trust in our own understanding or abilities. God uses boot camp to get us ready!
Steve Ekeroth