Chapter 21—The Army of the Lord
Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13
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The strength of an army is measured largely by the efficiency of the men
in the ranks. A wise general instructs his officers to train every soldier for
active service. He seeks to develop the highest efficiency on the part of all.
If he were to depend on his officers alone he could never expect to conduct
a successful campaign. He counts on loyal and untiring service from every
man in his army. The responsibility rests largely upon the men in the ranks.
And so it is in the army of Prince Immanuel. Our General, who has never
lost a battle, expects willing, faithful service from everyone who has enlisted
under His banner. In the closing controversy now waging between the forces
for good and the hosts of evil He expects all, laymen as well as ministers, to
take part. All who have enlisted as His soldiers are to render faithful service
as minutemen, with a keen sense of the responsibility resting upon them
individually.
All who enter the army are not to be generals, captains, sergeants, or
even corporals. All have not the care and responsibility of leaders. There
is hard work of other kinds to be done. Some must dig trenches and build
fortifications; some are to stand as sentinels, some to carry messages. While
there are but few officers, it requires many soldiers to form the rank and file
of the army; yet its success depends upon the fidelity of every soldier. One
man’s cowardice or treachery may bring disaster upon the entire army.
There is earnest work to be done by us individually if we would fight
the good fight of faith. Eternal interests are at stake. We must put on the
whole armor of righteousness, we must resist the devil, and we have the sure
promise that he will be put to flight. The church is to conduct an aggressive
warfare, to make conquests for Christ, to rescue souls from the power of the
enemy. God and holy angels are engaged in this warfare. Let us please Him
who has called us to be soldiers.
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