God Needs More “Boots on the Ground”

By Thomas Thornhill

We here in America understand (or should) that freedom is only free if we are willing to fight for it, and once it is obtained it must still be defended. That is why our nation’s military is presently engaged in war in Iraq and Afghanistan . They are fighting to free men of tyranny, just as our forefathers did so in 1776. Wars are expensive and require a great deal of modern technology to wage the conflicts. Yet, with all of this modern technology, the battles still have to be fought with “boots on the ground” by foot soldiers. An army general made a speech a few years ago to a group of military leaders. One thing he sought to impress on them was the need for a standing army of soldiers. He said to them, “All the technology in the world will never eliminate the need for the foot soldier.” He was right. After the strategy has been planned and the tactics developed there is still the need for the common foot soldier. All the satellites, computers, guided missiles, jet planes, smart bombs, automatic weapons and all the rest of technology devised by man will never eliminate the need for intelligent human beings going in to possess the land. Because the enemy is well entrenched in their caves and strongholds, they will only be defeated by the brave men and women in uniform with their “boots on the ground.” They are the ones who must go in to root out the enemy from their positions and fortifications.

As these conflicts rage on it is good to hear brethren here pray week after week for the hostilities to soon cease so our brave men and women, now in harm’s way, will be able to return home safely to their families. Yet, we must remember that as long as there is humanity there will be “wars and rumors of wars” among men.

More importantly, we as Christians are locked in an even greater conflict than any found in this material world. It is not a physical crusade being waged to recapture territory on this earth. It is being fought in a “kingdom not of this world…not from here” Jn.18:36. It is found “within you,” the hearts of men and women Lk.17:20-21. So, the battle is a spiritual one where “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” Eph.6:11. Two thrones are locked in deadly combat. Both want to govern the hearts of mankind. While God holds His rightful place as King of kings in the hearts of men, Satan, His arch-enemy, seeks to unseat Him and usurp His authority. Satan’s war is not really with us. It is really against the Holy One of this universe, but he attacks us, the children of God, because he knows God has set His love and affection and salvation on us. Thus, we are called to join with the forces of righteousness to do battle against this great enemy who is striving to unseat our God.

God will win the battle with or without the help of man, but He wants us to share in the victory. So, He enlists Christians to become His foot soldiers, to put their “boots on the ground” in this great conflict. God supplies the strategy and the tactics for this warfare and His Son Jesus Christ is the “author” (captain–KJV) of our salvation Heb.2:10. But this does not excuse us from personal involvement. He wants us to fight for Him.

Over the years many modern programs and strategies have become available that can be used in the Christian’s battle against the forces of sin. We have a wealth of material that can teach us how to do personal work and convert the masses. Some even import experts who are used to stir up enthusiasm so people will join in the battle. We have at our disposal computers, projectors, power points, DVDs and CDs that can be used to teach the lost and keep the saved saved. But none of these things will work if there is no one to carry on the work. Remember, “All the technology in the world will never eliminate the need for the foot soldier.” Without “boots on the ground” the battle against sin and the devil will not be won by us. Enthusiasm in the pulpit helps, but commitment in the pew helps even more. There is a world of difference between enthusiasm and commitment. Too often the church has come to depend on the pulpit, church building Bible classes and the collection basket to do the job of fighting. The common foot-soldier with his “boots on the ground” is disappearing. The church is shrinking because the members are shirking. Many want to pay their way and not fight their share of the battle.

The Lord didn’t give the task of evangelizing the world on programs, gimmicks and machinery. He gave the responsibility to men, personally. We have all types of mass media, both visual and in print., available to carry the word of God to the lost. They are helpful expedients, but they will never substitute for one saint communicating the one saving gospel to one sinner. God has chosen the avenue of preaching to convert and save souls. “It pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” 1.Cor.1:21. The power to win is still with the common foot-soldier. The Lord’s army is not a machine, directed by arm-chair generals and fought by angels. Rather, it is fought by men and women who have their “boots on the ground” Acts 8:1-4. 

God wants all of us to enlist and fight for His cause. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal live, to which you were called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” 1.Tim.6:12. He asks for volunteers. But, just remember the battle will not be an easy one. “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who enlisted him as a soldier” 2.Tim.2:3-4.

Have you enlisted in the Lord’s army? If not, why not? If so, are you carrying your share of the gospel? “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand” Eph.6:10, 11, 13. & (Via the Buckhorn Teacher, Vol. 8, Number 23)

For Sale

From the Scrapbook of George W. DeHoff

One Cross: In New Condition. Seller cannot carry it and keep up with the world and its crowd.

One Talent: New though dirty. It has been buried since first entrusted to the seller.

One Set of Armor: All pieces in good shape; have never been worn much less taken off.

One Bundle of Opportunities: Included are some of the greatest opportunities in the world: attending church services, studying the Bible, winning souls to Christ, working in the Lord’s vineyard, et al. Seller seldom uses them and so has decided to sell them.

One Negative Influence: Buyer may be able to repair this influence if carefully managed.

One Lukewarm Soul: Perhaps buyer can warm it up by being on fire for the Lord.

Items can be seen and purchased in seller’s home. Seller lives at 2 Careless Avenue . &