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Military service
- Thread starter Andy_S
- Start date
freeatlast
New Member
As in any career you have to weigh it with the Lord. Can you live a godly life without compromise and serve the Lord through this career? If not forget it, if yes and it is what you want go for it with prayer.
My brother is a strong believer and is heading into his 24th year with the Navy and is being deployed this month as well. He's been able to be a great witness, start Bible studies in his home, get involved in the local churches and when overseas, work with the men in studies as well. I absolutely think it's a great option for many people!
Nothing wrong with it at all. It is an honorable career.
To those who say it is incompatible with being a Christian, you can point them to John the Baptist (who was a prophet of God, preparing the people for Jesus), who was asked by soldiers what they should do now that they had come to repentance and baptism before God:
Luke 3:7-14 (NASB)
7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say [a]to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”
To those who say it is incompatible with being a Christian, you can point them to John the Baptist (who was a prophet of God, preparing the people for Jesus), who was asked by soldiers what they should do now that they had come to repentance and baptism before God:
Luke 3:7-14 (NASB)
7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say [a]to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”
To begin with, Christianity is foreign to this world. Let alone the military. However, until just recently the military went out of their way for all personnel to have the individual right to believe in their Lord as there has never been an atheist found in any foxhole. For sure though, the military is not not a Christian organization but they don't stand in the way of those who do believe.
As a Christian I fully support the obligation of a nation supporting and defending their way of life and to utilize any force necessary to reach that end. Just consider Hitler's Germany. While Germany was clearly the aggressor their young men went to war and lost. Quite clearly our Lord was on the side of freedom by using the free world to put an end to that madman's effort to rule the world.
Military life usually leads to boys becoming men. They learn responsibility and often responsible men will become leaders of their family.
As a Christian I fully support the obligation of a nation supporting and defending their way of life and to utilize any force necessary to reach that end. Just consider Hitler's Germany. While Germany was clearly the aggressor their young men went to war and lost. Quite clearly our Lord was on the side of freedom by using the free world to put an end to that madman's effort to rule the world.
Military life usually leads to boys becoming men. They learn responsibility and often responsible men will become leaders of their family.
Imagine If God were to create a theocracy on earth (wait He did - Israel).
Would it have a military?
On another note, I was saved while in the military.
I was led of the Lord to live out my life in another way than my former walk even while in the military.
Not in a legalistic way but because it was right as God had put doing what's right in my heart and made a path for my feet.
My buddies were asking "What happened to Hank?"
I had ample opportunity to tell them and the Lord used it to make a difference in the lives of many.
Look at it as a mission field as well while engaged in the defense of your country and loved ones.
HankD
Would it have a military?
On another note, I was saved while in the military.
I was led of the Lord to live out my life in another way than my former walk even while in the military.
Not in a legalistic way but because it was right as God had put doing what's right in my heart and made a path for my feet.
My buddies were asking "What happened to Hank?"
I had ample opportunity to tell them and the Lord used it to make a difference in the lives of many.
Look at it as a mission field as well while engaged in the defense of your country and loved ones.
HankD
God ordained an Army for Isreal, and John the Baptist did not say quit the Army, just act rightly...
Jesus commended the Centurian for his faith, so jesus was not against the Army, never spoke out against it...
God permitted an Army for the defense of people, of a nation...
From the Bible perspective , military honorable career, just behave in a Christ honoring way...
Now the question on IF a Christian can serve and go to war....
THATwould be debatable!
As I hold that one can, others might balk at actually going to war and killing!
Andy, I spent several years in the Army - and it was a blessing. Yes, at times it was hard to serve the Lord. When I first arrived in Germany, I asked the Lord to lead me to a new friend who was a Christian- and if it wasn't too much - A Baptist. The Lord gloriously answered my prayer. Had a great friendship with a SP5. He certainly was a blessing to me. Too bad we didn't have email back then - I have lost contact with him over the years.
I have had the opportunity to serve in several "military*" off base Baptist churches and have seen the Lord work miracles. I also had the opportunity to start a Baptist church in Wildflecken. - One of our members is now a missionary to Papua New Guinea. Drop an E-mail to John and let him know you are praying for him and his family as they serve on the mission field.
Most Sunday mornings I watch the live broadcast on the net of Faith Baptist Church of K-town. (5 am - EST) I encourage you to tune and worship with them click here for the link
Yes, if the Lord leads you into the military, it can be a blessing not only to you, but others whom you come into contact with. By the way, there are several Evangelical chaplains you can fellowship with as well.
* A "military" church is one made up of US military personnel overseas. We of course welcome local nationals - but the vast majority of the GI's and their dependents.
Not being too nit-picky - but I prefer not to use the term "ex" as to me that gives the semblance of a negative. I prefer to be called a Veteran. As far as I am concerned I am still serving!
I agree that the term veteran is more appropriate. Unfortunately, there is an individual on this site who repeatedly insults those who are former "ex-military". I chose this term purposely with this in mind.
Shall we meet him in a dark alley? :tonofbricks:
Don't Mess with the U.S. - active, reserve, NG, or Vets!!!
I would try that - but (and I hate to admit it) but i forgot his name - well it was 40 years ago!
I am on some FB pages for Zweibruecken, Matcom, Zweib Bapt, ect - hopefully that will help
quantumfaith
Active Member
As an aside to this discussion about the military, learned something interesting the other day. The "red pipe" stripe on the Marine Corps dress uniform is inspired directly from Rahab in the OT. It was borrowed from the British Marines who adopted it in recognition to Rahab's contribution to the Israelite victory at the battle of Jericho.
North Carolina Tentmaker
New Member
Of course the military is compatible with Christianity, but I think a more important thing for you to consider is if it is right for you, or as we would usually phrase it in Christian circles, “If it is God’s will for you.”
The military is a difficult and different choice and is not for everyone. I served in the Army and it to a great extent defined who I am. It will challenge your faith and you need to be prepared. This is a decision to be made with much prayer and I would add fasting.
I am curious about the “mixed response” from your church. I am assuming these are people who know you well. Why is it some are opposed to the idea?
Sapper Woody
Well-Known Member
When I joined, I was counseled by several people not to. Others said "Think/pray about it first". No one told me it was a good idea. However, it was one of the best decisions of my life. The problem is that the military life/way of thinking is so foreign to civilians. The closest anyone can come to understanding the military (outside being in) is spouses, and even they only have a basic grasp.
One of my pet peeves is when I hear someone say "Yeah, my uncle/brother/cousin/etc was in the military, so I know what it's like." Civilians do not understand it, I don't care what family member they had in.
North Carolina Tentmaker
New Member
Sapper is right about that. Talk to a veteran. Some things you just can't explain to someone who has not been there.
Yea,
Like sleeping in a bunk bed in an open bay barracks with over a hundred other guys many of which snore like a chain saw.
Like waiting in line to use the very public latrine.
Like going through a mess hall to eat a meal of food some of which you can't identify and with only ten minutes to eat it.
Like surprise 2:00AM foot locker inspections.
Like working 16 hours a day for several days/weeks/months with little or no time off.
etc, etc...
And that's the easy stuff, apart from combat duty which by the grace of God I never saw, but could have, in my 4 years.
But I would do it all again (assuming I got my youth back).
HankD
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In my individual case, I basically made the decision on the spot.
So very true
It's only a problem, if we allow it to get to us.
Woody, I would agree with you - but I think there is one other group - that would be former military - and the longer they are out ....
I left Active Federal Service over 25 years ago / retired from State (non-NG) military about 3 years ago.
I could give you advice - but there has been a lot of changes in the past 25 years. When I first came in - the lifers talked about the "Brown boot Army". Black boots were introduced in '57- brown boots were still authorized until the late '60's.
Now days, the lifers probably talk about the "Black Boot Army" as the new brown boots came back around the turn of the century.
"The only thing constant in our Army is change".
- as written by Colonel Garland H. Williams, former Commandant,
Army Management Staff College
Andy, my simple bit of advice - in addition to what Woody said, would be:
1) Keep a copy of every piece of paper the Army gives you
2) In God we Trust - all others must sign ie know what you are signing for before you do so!
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