When I joined the Marines I found out that everyone of my fellows had to go through basic training no matter what their job in the Corps was to be. That basic training included drill, physical training, hand to hand fighting, bayonet drill, caring for and learning to shoot a rifle, basic infantry combat training and so forth. Then you were trained in your particular field; infantry, artillery, MPs , cooks, motor pool, mechanics, tanks, ship duty and so on. But every year you had to show competence in shooting, fitness, war exercises in the field. Those were foundational skills. You had to keep them solid for you never knew when you’d be called into a combat situation. There was many a cook and typist who was called to go on patrol and often into a fire fight.
As Christians who have faith, we must be sharp in our scripture knowledge, our ability to pray, our living by the Spirit. For we never know when we must face temptations, be called to serve someone in need, or to bear witness of the Living Christ. Our basic training in these areas should be every bit as rigorous as Marine basic, for we fight against an enemy who never sleeps. Instead of being tested on how straight we shoot, or how physically able we are every six months,, our spiritual test of living the Sermon on the Mount is with us everyday of our lives. We can do it. We are tough enough. We can do hard things. We belong to the Host of God!
As Christians who have faith, we must be sharp in our scripture knowledge, our ability to pray, our living by the Spirit. For we never know when we must face temptations, be called to serve someone in need, or to bear witness of the Living Christ. Our basic training in these areas should be every bit as rigorous as Marine basic, for we fight against an enemy who never sleeps. Instead of being tested on how straight we shoot, or how physically able we are every six months,, our spiritual test of living the Sermon on the Mount is with us everyday of our lives. We can do it. We are tough enough. We can do hard things. We belong to the Host of God!
