Don't Be AWOL
Monday, September 25, 2023
“Where should the doctor spend his time if not among the sick? Where is honor to be won by the soldier but in the center of the battle?” – C.H. Spurgeon
The Unit is a TV series that ran for four seasons from 2006 through 2009. It was based on Eric L. Haney’s book, “Inside Delta Force: The Story of America’s Elite Counterterrorism Unit.” Although the members of this very select unit were recruited from the 75th Army Ranger Regiment and other Special Forces, they go by a cover name called the "303rd Logistical Studies Group." Members are told to tell others that they work as Army clerks and cannot divulge their true activities even to their own wives.
In one episode, one of the Unit members is dating a young lady whom he wants to marry. However, her father, an Army vet himself, refuses to allow the marriage to take place because he doesn’t consider his daughter’s suitor to be a real soldier, but rather a “paper pusher.” He finally relents when he learns the young man’s true and very dangerous assignment… only to have his daughter break things off because of her boyfriend’s deception.
My dad fought for three years in the jungles of the South Pacific during World War II, but I would never say that soldiers who don’t see combat aren’t real soldiers. After all, America is not always at war and we need people in the rear ranks to provide logistics, supplies, ammunition, etc. However, I would say that there is only one place for true Christians to be and that is on the front lines of spiritual warfare, because Satan is always on the attack.
I guess that is why I chose “moving believers from the sidelines to the front lines” as the tagline for Risk Takers for Christ. Don’t be AWOL, my friend. Instead, suit up for battle.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (NKJV)
“On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.’” Matthew 9:12 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
