Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans, who are people who have served honorably in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.
I too served honorably as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Florida Army National Guard for eight years. It was a season of my life where although I did not see active duty as in an actual war (an earthly war), I served with a war-time mentality and with sacrificial duty towards God and country. I was proud to have worn the uniform. Therefore, I salute those who still do.
Noticed I said I did not see active duty as in an actual war. My deployments were in response to hurricanes, natural catastrophes, and civil unrest; the hazards were real, the orders given were to be followed, and the mission and/or missions were to be completed.
God has given each believer a mandate, for we are His soldiers. He said, "Go into all the worldand preach the gospel to all creation.” God has issued us HIS uniform to wear. We must wear our Christian uniform at all times. We are to put on the whole armour of God. We are to follow His directive as given in the Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Our deployment is in response to a Spiritual War that is real, now, and ongoing. Ephesians 6:10-18 is conceivably the clearest definition of the spiritual war described by the Apostle Paul. The Message version of the Bible reads, “God is strong, and He wants you strong. So, take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials (take the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit). And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil (your enemy and his demonic recruits) throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish.
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”
We are at war; we must respond, and serve, and do so honorably. Our uniform must be intact. Every day, we are to celebrate our deployment (our Mission), march to the given mandate (the Great Commission) and salute our Commander-In-Chief (God) and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Mission is yet to be completed.
In His service,
Ron