"It is not the size of the soldier in the fight but the size of the fight in the soldier."

Being enlisted in the armed forces is not what makes an individual a soldier. Being a soldier encompasses many things. A soldier is one who willingly gives himself for a cause.

From the American Revolution to present day Iraq, we have seen great courage and conviction displayed by men and women who call themselves soldiers. They love their country, appreciate its heritage, and believe in its ideology. They wouldn’t hesitate to give up their very existence to defend the country they both love and respect.

When a soldier dies in the line of duty, several questions always come to mind. What were they thinking about during those final moments? Did they fight until the very end? Did love and devotion to the cause exceed their desire to retreat?

During some very personal and heart-wrenching interviews, many of my questions were answered. It became apparent after listening to the soldiers’ stories that, from childhood these brave men and women vowed to give their very lives to defend the country they both loved and respected.

Being fully aware of the dangers that lie before them, they were determined to fight. These brave souls fought through fear, pain, sorrow, and rigorous training. When tempted on many occasions to simply give up and go home, they refused. Giving up was not an option. They had a job to accomplish.

These individuals possessed a devotion that was greater than them. In the eyes of a soldier, death, though tragic, is an unavoidable reality. The nature of a soldier is to fight, dare, defend, and even die for their country. Although they came from different walks of life, they all shared a common bond; they were soldiers.

Just as soldiers on our nation’s battlefields vow to die for their country, soldiers in God’s army must possess the same attitude. It must be established at the time we accept Christ and join his army that we will love him and defend the gospel if it costs our lives.

Our service is an active one. We cannot lie down on the job, nor do we retreat in the heat of battle. Our job is to defend, and defend we "Must."

In the book of II Timothy 2: 3-4, Paul instructs us about our duty as a soldier. "Take your share of the hardships and suffering which you are called to endure as a good (first-class) soldier of Jesus Christ. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises (affairs) of civilian life: but his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him."

This is the nature of God’s soldiers. Whether we have just completed basic training or achieved the rank of a five star general, our commitment must be the same. We love the Lord and defend Him we will.

While examining the soldier’s nature, I found that there are many similarities as well as differences. The similarity is our devotion. We must be devoted and willing to die for the cause of Christ if it becomes necessary.

The difference is, in God’s army, there is no involuntary draft. We are chosen as we respond in faith to the call of the gospel. (II Thessalonians 2:13-14) The army of God is a "voluntary" one. We were not drafted against our will, and our attitude should reflect our willingness to do whatever he desires of us.

Although enlisting is strictly voluntary, all the soldiers in God’s army are on active duty. They are, and must remain on "full duty."

As a full duty soldier, we cannot allow ourselves to be entangled in the affairs of everyday life, and we must be willing to endure hardships.

An important factor that must be taken into account by anyone desiring to become a soldier is "counting up the cost." Being a soldier comes with an enormous price. Therefore, we must understand the things that we are to consider.

Being God’s soldier will affect our relationship with our physical family. Christ must come first. "He who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:38 (AMP)

Another important point soldiers of Christ must remember is that there is no "Reserve" duty. We don’t serve on limited occasions. Every individual must take his or her responsibilities seriously. Whether we are on the front lines, or supporting them at the base, we are on active duty with one thing in mind—we are soldiers.

Another consideration that is vital to any soldier is that they are fully aware of their objectives. In viewing our objectives, it is important for us to know that although our opposition is mighty, we are to remain noble. According to the writer of Galatians 5: 16-23, "we are to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives." We must eat, drink, awake and sleep like soldiers. We must be remain alert and ready to defend. Other objectives include bringing our thoughts into submission to Christ, and helping our fellow soldiers escape the traps that the enemy sets.

In a perfect world there would be no need for this final discussion. But since we do not live in a perfect world, I feel the need to point out a soldier’s greatest opposition-the enemy. The key to winning any battle is knowing who and where the enemy is. A soldier’s most important component is possessing the knowledge of the art of combat.

In God’s army, we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, nor are the weapons of our warfare carnal (fleshly) II Corinthians 10:3-4. We don’t use swords, bombs, guns or grenades, nor do we destroy innocent lives.

Our objectives are clear. We are waging a different war. Ours is not a ground attack, nor does it involve an air strike. The battlefield ladies and gentlemen, is our minds. The war being waged against us is happening daily. We are to remain alert, always watching, always praying so that we don’t become victims.

The most reassuring thing I can leave with you is, as soldiers in God’s army, whether on the battlefield or in the barracks, "We Are Never Alone." God is a very present help in our time of need. Just as he did with Joshua, God is in the battle with us, fighting and defending what is His.

Relentless, Courageous, Brave, Faithful, Devoted, Trusting, and Confident: these are not a list of adjectives. They are the characteristics that define a true soldier.

By Travestine J. Wright