Clear Even in Present Danger: Honor Beyond the Uniform

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

Don’t ever forget where the battle rages! Don’t lose focus! Keep first things first – primacy as primacy! Yes, you are to be presentable but let HIS reputation precede you!

In the military, either in ceremony or special occasions to engage civilians, dress-white uniforms are worn. They are extra clean and even the buttons shine. They are the formal equivalent of the civilian tuxedo. I remember putting extra care into ironing them; however, should we head to combat our uniforms are different and far more functional - fatigues . You do not become a soldier, especially a soldier in battle by putting on dress-whites. You walk in dress-white but you do not war in them.

Similarly, we occupy our flesh as tabernacles for the HOLY SPIRIT. Yes…we ought to be pristine in obedience. Yes…we are to do what is necessary that we remain spotless and presentable; however, in combat against the power of sin, an iron, some bleach, some sit-ups and eating right will not do. No…cleanliness is not next to godliness, if you are trying to clean yourself up from sin. Also, trying to be too fly will undermine.  Only the Blood of JESUS can clean us from sin.

Our fatigues are the intercessory raiment and ephod that we wear to tirelessly get down in the dirt to help others receive CHRIST’s cleanliness unto spiritual military service themselves. Our battle uniform is service. Wear it well. We need training, first. We are not in battle to gratify the flesh or use sentimentality or sophistry to justify sin. We do not war after the flesh. …the word here is the Greek word strateuomai [pronounced strat-yoo'-om-ahee]. Yes…it has the same root as our word strategy. It literally means to serve in a military campaign; however, figuratively it implies to do the work of an apostle – to apostolate or train up church leaders to come after you.

Point blank, wearing our fatigues are putting on CHRIST and winning souls - not just to church but to CHRIST and discipleship. Propagation of the Gospel is our uniform. It fits those valiant in faith and dedicated to CHRIST’s rescue missions. When loving, humble, reverent, wise, adept, Sword-wielding soldiers of CHRIST not only dresses the part but characterizes the CHRIST, other will enlist. GOD is call for a few good men to disciple other men…It’s deeper than each one teach one. It is devotion to the One to herald the One to disciple another. There is so much opposition and so few soldiers. We are buglers trumpeting a clarion call and reveille to wake males to true manhood

It behooves us to continue the fight….know your target…love our GOD, first…and walk in CHRIST-likeness…

Don’t ever forget where the battle rages! Don’t lose focus! Keep first things first – primacy as primacy! Yes, you are to be presentable but let HIS reputation precede you!

I love YOU and I love you

Brother Jeremy A. Maynard