John 10:2-3,
“But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
For a soldier to be effective and able to conquer in battle, there are certain things that must not be strange or isolated to him. These things may seem trivial and unconnected but they work together to ensure he is victorious.
A good soldier is first and foremost familiar with the voice of his Master. Just as the sheep recognize and follow the shepherd’s voice, a faithful soldier listens attentively to the voice of Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. This discernment enables the soldier to follow Christ’s guidance faithfully and avoid the snares of the enemy.
In addition to knowing his Master’s voice, a good soldier is well-acquainted with the weapons at his disposal. The Bible describes these spiritual weapons in Ephesians 6:13-17, including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. By understanding and effectively wielding these weapons, a soldier can stand firm against the enemy’s attacks.
A good soldier is also familiar with the enemy he faces. Recognizing the tactics of Satan—deception, temptation, and accusation—equips the soldier to stand guard and remain vigilant. Awareness of the enemy’s strategies helps in anticipating and countering his attacks.
Lastly, a good soldier knows his fellow soldiers and companions. In the body of Christ, no one fights alone. Fellowship with other believers provides strength, encouragement, and accountability. Together, soldiers can support each other, share burdens, and celebrate victories.
Reflecting on these aspects of familiarity, we see that a good soldier is not isolated but deeply connected with his Master, his spiritual tools, his adversary, and his comrades. This holistic familiarity ensures readiness and resilience in spiritual warfare.
Reflections
1. How can I cultivate a deeper familiarity with the voice of Jesus in my daily life?
2. What steps can I take to better understand and utilize the spiritual weapons available to me?
3. In what ways can I strengthen my relationships with fellow believers to ensure mutual support in spiritual battles?
