A Soldier for Christ: Values, Valor, and the Victory Already Won

Are you battle-ready? We are living in a time where it is easy to become fearful or oppressed by the tragedies around us. Drawing from a personal story about a teenage dream of joining the US Army, this blog explores the "Core Values" of a believer and the essential pieces of the Armor of God. Discover why the life of a soldier for Christ requires discipline, prayer, and the realization that the ultimate battle has already been won.

C. Atkinson

7/20/20243 min read

“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan… I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador.” — Ephesians 6:19-20

Praise the Lord, everyone! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! As we step into each new day, we do so only by the grace and mercies of Jesus. While we are often sensitive to the ticking of the clock, we serve a sovereign God who holds time in His hands—where a thousand years are but a day (2 Peter 3:8). Because of this, we cannot afford to waste a single moment. Every second is a precious gift to be used for His glory.

The Commission and the Assurance

Today, I want to stir your spirit regarding the importance of standing firm as A Soldier for Christ. We are living in the end times. While we do not know the exact date of the Lord's return, we live with the "blessed assurance" that He is coming back.

In Acts 1, we see the disciples straining their eyes as Jesus ascended into the clouds. Two men in white robes asked them, “Why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus… will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” This is our hope! If you have followed the Great Plan of Salvation (Acts 2:38), you are sealed with the Holy Spirit until that day of redemption. We aren't just waiting; we are being empowered by the Spirit to be witnesses "everywhere."

Core Values of the Kingdom

I remember being in the ninth grade and becoming fascinated with the idea of joining the US Army. I was drawn to the recruiters' posters and the core values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. I even tried to set up a home visit with a recruiter—a plan my father quickly shut down!

While my path didn't lead to a military uniform, I realized later that those same core values are perfectly applicable to our lives as believers. Our journey is not an easy road. Just as military training pushes a soldier to their physical limits, our spiritual walk tests our endurance and faith. To survive the front lines of spiritual warfare, we must put on the mindset of Christ and never let our guard down.

The Armor of the Believer

As soldiers for the Lord, we are not sent into battle unprotected. Ephesians 6 describes our six-piece spiritual suit:

The Belt of Truth: Our defense against the enemy’s lies.
The Breastplate of Righteousness: Guarding our hearts from sin.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Keeping us steady and ready to move.
The Shield of Faith: Extinguishing the fiery darts of fear and doubt.
The Helmet of Salvation: Protecting our minds and thoughts.
The Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God—our primary offensive weapon.

Following the Example of Paul

The Apostle Paul was the ultimate "Soldier for Christ." Even while in chains as a prisoner, he saw himself as an ambassador. He knew that the many afflictions of the righteous are real, but that the Lord delivers us out of them all (Psalm 34:19). Paul understood that he couldn't fight in his own strength; he boasted in his weaknesses so that Christ’s power could rest on him.

A True Soldier for Christ knows:

Submission is a Weapon: Resisting the devil starts with submitting to God (James 4:7).
Worship is Warfare: True worshippers fight in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23).
Obedience over Sacrifice: Following God’s orders is better than any ritual (1 Samuel 15:22).
The Battle is Won: We fight from victory, not just for victory, because Jesus defeated the enemy at the cross (1 Corinthians 15:57).

My dear brothers and sisters, stay alert! The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, but you are part of the Army of the Living God. Stand firm, keep your armor on, and look up—your redemption draws near!

Have a wonderful weekend!