I recently read an awesome illustrative story from World War II. In preparation for the Battle of the Bulge, the Allied Forces called every available man to readiness. One unit, consisting of office workers, was hastily converted to infantry and assigned to a section of road that was expected to be under fire within hours. The first order was for the men to dig foxholes. One man, who had spent years at a typewriter, had little success in the stone hard ground. Finally, he approached his commanding officer and said, “Sir, wouldn’t it be easier if we just attacked and made them dig the foxholes?” Wow, what a thought! As Christians, we certainly need to hold our ground (Ephesians 6:10-17), but how often are we barely doing that and failing to advance? How often do those belonging to Christ sit on the sidelines and watch the battle rage on, all the while lamenting the condition of the world and the church!
Let’s attach sin! Sadly, the church in many places is being influenced by the world and becoming “tolerant” of sin. How many congregations have couples unscripturally married, worshipping with them each week and fellowship is still being enjoined? Brethren, we have dug fox holes and buried our heads; thus, sin is blemishing the bride of Christ! “Well, we may upset them” or “we may lose some members if we deal with the sin” are often excuses that are heard. Are we no longer worried about “upsetting” God? Have we become so wise in our conceits that we believe that our way is better than God’s way? “…it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23b).
Let’s attack shams! There are those who guise themselves as God’s children, and yet look just like children of the Devil! Sadly, there are entire congregations that dress up like Christians, but underneath the name on the sign, underneath some familiar acts of worship is the “synagogue of Satan” (cf. Revelation 2:9)! How many identifying characteristics must be present for a congregation to be authentic? Ask the Department of the Treasury the same question regarding our currency and see what it answers! Just because a piece of paper is green does not mean it is a $20 bill! “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17)!
Let’s attack sects! Christ never intended for our communities to house “101 flavors” of religion. However, we are plagued with sects and denominations around every corner. Some say, “Well, we have always been plagued by such”; right, but at one time the church made it a point to lovingly challenge and boldly proclaim that Christ only built one church! However, now in many localities the church is content to be the light of the world, by simply paying the electric bill for the meeting house! Many have dug fox holes and have fallen asleep while the world, the church and our friends and families are daily deceived by sects of men. The church of today could learn from Paul, who did not wait for the battle to come to him, but rather he took the battle to them (Acts 13:5; 14; 17:2; 18:4)!
Brethren, it’s high time the soldiers get out of the foxholes and onto the battlefield! “Rouse then Soldiers.” Let’s Attack!
