There are differing ranks in military service. There are generals, corporals, sergeants, lieutenants, majors and other ranks. A person in a lower rank cannot go to a higher rank without being promoted. Those in higher rank must do the promoting. Those of lower rank cannot take it upon themselves to take on a higher rank.
Those of higher rank make the rules and regulations that the lower ranks must abide by. The lower ranks must obey the rules. If they do not obey the rules of their rank, they are disciplined.
The Thessalonians were told to warn the unruly. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, we read, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” The word ‘unruly’ comes from the Greek word for “out of the ranks.” The word was used of the soldier who did not remain in his rank.
Christians are spiritual soldiers. They have been given their regulations by which they are to fight the spiritual fight and by which they are to live daily. The regulations are the Bible. We must study and learn how God wants us to live. We must learn to do all that God commands.
Anyone who says he is a Christian but does not obey God is out of rank, and that person will be disciplined by God in the Judgment.
Learn what you need to do to live the life of a Christian. Obey God and stay in your rank. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
