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 officer.

— 2 Timothy 2:3-4

The Bible depicts a cosmic battle taking place between good and evil, between God’s kingdom of light and Satan’s kingdom of darkness. So when we place our faith in Jesus, we not only become part of a family; we also enter a battlefield. We enlist in a mission to serve faithfully in God’s kingdom.

So, what does it mean to be faithful spiritual soldiers? First, we pledge unwavering allegiance to Jesus as our King. We wholeheartedly acknowledge his sovereignty and yield to his authority. We recognize that chaos would result within and around us without submitting to Jesus’ authority.

Second, good soldiers know their enemy. They understand that their battle is “not against flesh and blood,” as Paul puts it, but against spiritual powers. They understand that neither conventional weapons, brute force, nor human strategies are going to defeat this spiritual enemy. They study the enemy, know his game plan, and understand how to defeat him—with fervent prayer, godly praise, and self-sacrificial love.

Third, good soldiers are also equipped for battle. They practice spiritual disciplines and put on the armor of God so that they can “stand against the devil’s schemes” and faithfully execute their mission.

Lord and King, we are called to serve you in truth and righteousness, faith and prayer, ready to share the good news of Jesus by the power of your Spirit. Amen.