There is no doubt that the enemy believes he is undermining the mission of the Christian soldier. But like the U.S. troops, we must not lose heart because we are certain that no matter the raging schemes of the devil, no matter the seductive pull of the world, or temptations of the flesh, Christ has ultimately won the victory. And so we can fall in line with Christians throughout the ages, singing the rallying cry of, “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before!”
Throw down those little old guns and toddle off home,” coaxed the voice on the radio. It was World War II, and Nazi Germany employed an American broadcaster, nicknamed “Axis Sally,” to spread propaganda to the U.S. troops. Her radio program, Home Sweet Home, toggled between upbeat swing music and demoralizing messages to the armed forces. Sally spun visions of warm fireplaces and sweethearts back home to remind the troops of the good lives they were missing out on compared to their present suffering. Her messages were aired to stir discontentment and homesickness in the soldiers in hope that they would forget victory and long for what was left behind.
In creating this propaganda, the enemy uncovered a force that could derail an army from their mission and undermine any soldier’s resolve. It was not the dread of defeat. It was not even the fear of the battlefield. It was the powerful pull of civilian life.
In a similar way, Paul recognizes the corrosive effect the civilian life can have on the soldier of Christ. In 2 Timothy 2:4, Paul tells the young pastor, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” However, the problem is that Christian soldiers often abandon their posts. They have listened to the propaganda of the enemy that tempts them to give up the suffering at the front lines for the comforts of the good life. Rather than standing fast as battlefield Christians, they have become civilian Christians.
The Call to Be Soldiers
To understand what it means to be a civilian Christian, we must first understand the metaphor of the Christian soldier. The early church used soldier imagery to describe the call and conduct of the believer. They used the term miles Christianus (soldier of Christ) in contrast to the term paganus (heathen or civilian), those who lacked discipline. Paul uses the illustration of a soldier as an example of devotion, courage, and single-mindedness in the face of warfare. When a man enlists, he gives his life away. The most important thing—above family, friends, and work—becomes duty and country. Many times, the cost of such dedication is pain, suffering, or their very life. Likewise, the life of a Christian should not resemble the life of a private citizen. It ought to reflect the call and discipline of a soldier who is willing to sacrifice their life to please their captain.
Getting Entangled
While the concept of the Christian soldier is familiar, it is Paul’s advice to Timothy about “civilian pursuits” that can generate confusion or concern. Is Paul saying that Christians must never enjoy themselves? Should a Christian give up his 401(k)? Are Christians allowed to go on vacation? Paul is not saying Christians should avoid or ignore civilian pursuits. The key word here is “entangled.” In Greek, this word means “to weave in, to entwine.” If you have ever tried to untangle a string of Christmas lights or remove chewing gum out of your child’s hair, you will get the picture here.
This same word appears again in 2 Peter 2:20 and sheds light on the precarious nature of entangled Christians.
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