“Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.” 1Cor 9:7-10
This passage caused me to ponder over the condition of a soldier last week and I’ve realised a few things that, if applied to our faith, can radically transform our daily life.
In any responsible army, soldiers are taken care of. They are fed, lodged, treated if sick and have transportation means. Their children’s school fees are covered. The wounded are never left behind at the mercy of the enemy and the dead are welcomed and accompanied to their last abode with military honours. It would obviously not benefit anyone if a soldier would have his or her mind cluttered by this kind of worries on the battlefield. Therefore, all these things are entirely taken care of by the army. Soldiers cannot waste time dreaming of the fast cars, massive properties or designers clothes and watches that they plan to acquire, as there is no room for luxury on the battlefield. It is only those who are on holidays or who have retired who can afford the “luxury” of such thoughts.
I am aware that in some countries, soldiers are badly paid, badly clothed and even sent to war with faulty equipment. However, I am talking about what happens in responsible nations; and the Kingdom of GOD is the most serious, caring and responsible “Nation” that one can think of.
In other words, and this is the idea behind today’s passage, the one who truly serves the LORD, the one who is truly enrolled in His army, can rest assured that their needs will be totally met. All the earthly, celestial and submarine necessary resources will be mobilized to ensure that they have no other worry in mind than the Mission and the will of GOD. If you are experiencing lack – food, accommodation, clothing etc. – honestly ask yourself whether you are still part of His army or whether you have long deserted because of its tough conditions. However, if you are a true soldier of Christ, then worry about nothing: GOD is in charge of everything. Do not roll anxious eyes because of your rent, the school fees, utility bills or food. GOD is taking care of that (Mat 6:25-33). Just serve Him faithfully with the weapons of mass destruction that He has placed at your disposal.
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