26 April, 2024

Preventing Spiritual Desertion

by | 25 February, 2009 | 0 comments

By Mark A. Taylor

Many would characterize the church”s work in the world as spiritual warfare. Our enemy is Satan, and our tools are “the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11-17).

But not all soldiers in this war persevere until it”s won. Some grow weary of the enemy”s clever schemes and effective tactics. They wear out, give up, and decide to walk away.

Why do some continue while others leave the battle?

The Bible suggests several answers, one of them underscored by findings from contemporary students of American history.

Heroes and Cowards, written by husband-and-wife team Dora L. Costa and Matthew E. Kahn, looks at deserters from the Union army during the Civil War. About 200,000 soldiers, 10 percent of the total, walked away from their units; and the authors analyzed 41,000 life histories of Union troops to discover why.

David Courtwright reviewed their book in the January 13 edition of The Wall Street Journal, and summarized their conclusions simply:

The main finding . . . is that companies composed of volunteers of similar age and occupation who were born in the same areas were the least likely to suffer desertion. . . . [The authors] approvingly quote Ardant du Picq, a 19th-century French colonel and military theorist. “Four brave men who do not know each other will not dare to attack a lion. Four less brave, but knowing each other well, sure of their reliability and consequently of mutual aid, will attack resolutely.”

In other words, victory in battle may depend on unity of the troops. “Social cohesion was good for morale, and good morale kept men fighting.”

Maybe it”s a stretch to compare desertion from Civil War battles to spiritual faithfulness today. But the New Testament”s frequent admonitions to unity, healthy body life, and love among Christians suggest a connection.

Could it be that congregations whose members know each other well are more effective at withstanding spiritual challenges? Could it be that effective evangelism begins with healthy fellowship? Could it be that a sharp “external focus” can best be maintained by a vigilant community-building strategy within the congregation?

It”s true that some churches (or Sunday school classes or small groups) are so self-absorbed they never look beyond their own interests. Their leaders do well to enlist them in spiritual battles. (After all, soldiers accomplish little in the barracks, no matter how much they enjoy each other there.)

But when guessing an army”s ability to defeat the enemy, camaraderie and trust among the troops are key factors, whether the battle is physical or spiritual.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. Impact Christian Church (Moon Township, Pa.) looks to hire an executive pastor. The Christian Campus Foundation (CCF) at the University of Illinois is seeking a full-time director of campus ministry. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

Fifth Person Arrested in Deaths of Kansas Women

A fifth person has been arrested on charges in the deaths of two women from Hugoton, Kan. Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, a minister’s wife, went missing March 30 and were found dead on an Oklahoma farm April 14. . . .

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Cloned in God’s Image’ (1984)

“In one sense Christians are clones,” Virgil Felton wrote in 1984. “We are cloned in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We are cloned by a new birth (John 3:5). We are cloned as new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). . . .”

News Briefs for April 24

Bob Vernon, 97, an Ozark Bible College graduate who, with his brothers, was a pioneer in Christian television broadcasting, died April 14. . . . David and Dolly Nicholson are retiring after decades of service. . . . A “Kelley Family Benefit Fund” has been established . . . plus more.

Your Later Years Can Be Greater Years!

In his new book, “Not Too Old,” Christian Standard contributing editor David Faust explains how “your later years can be greater years.” In the book, David encourages readers to continue to “bear fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:14) . . .

The Gentle Servant

Isaiah uses two metaphors to illustrate the gentleness of our Lord . . .

Follow Us