God's Army

Army vs. Marines

Two Marines boarded a quick shuttle flight out of Dallas, headed for Houston. One sat in the window seat, the other sat in the middle seat. 

Just before take-off, an Army soldier got on and took the aisle seat next to the two Marines. 

The Soldier kicked off his shoes, wiggled his toes and was settling in when the Marine in the window seat said, "I think I'll get up and get a coke." "No problem," said the Soldier, "I'll get it for you." 

While he was gone, the Marine picked up the Soldier's shoe and spit in it. When the Soldier returned with the coke, the Marine in the middle seat said, "That looks good, I think I'll have one too." 

Again, the Soldier obligingly went to fetch it and while he was gone, the Marine picked up the soldier's other shoe and spit in it. The Soldier returned and they all sat back and enjoyed the rest of the short flight to Houston. 

As the plane was landing, the Soldier slipped his feet into his shoes and knew immediately what had happened. 

"How long must this go on?" the Soldier asked. 

"This fighting between our services? This hatred? This animosity? This spitting in shoes and peeing in cokes?"

I’ve heard it said that the only Army that shoots its wounded is the “Christian Army”. As members of the Army of the Lord, we should be more appreciative of our differences. Each one of us was wonderfully and uniquely created and equipped for a purpose. I know that I am preaching to the choir, but I believe that we are allowing the enemy, (Satan) to drive a wedge between the members of God’s Church. As with any army we have different factions equipped to perform specific tasks. We wouldn’t expect someone trained and equipped to drive a tank to crawl into the cockpit of a fighter jet and be successful. Neither should we expect cookie-cutter type Christians. We have been equipped differently and our differences should be celebrated because when we work together as a unit, performing the task that we have been created to do we are invincible. I really like the way that Romans 12:9-21 explains it.

Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”  says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I don’t know how many Christian denominations there are, but I know that each one has their own doctrine. I can’t tell you which ones, if any, are entirely biblical, because doctrines although Bible-based are man-made and subject to error. I’m sure that statement could be debated by many. My proposal would be to focus on the things that we agree upon. 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

Much love, Dennis