The Warrior Ethos

At the end of this month, our son Travon arrives home from the Army. His entire family is extremely proud of his service to his country and the dedication he has shown these last two years. As part of his training, Travon learned and memorized the Army's Warrior Ethos. A warrior ethos is: a set of values and principles that guide people who serve in the military or are part of the profession of arms. It can also refer to the values and beliefs that define a warrior culture. The Army's Warrior Ethos says, I will always place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit, and I will never leave a fallen comrade.

As Christians, we are warriors in God's Army. And like many of our Armed Forces, we also can and should live by a warrior's ethos. The Bible tells us of the battles we will face in this world and also gives us the weapons to use in these fights. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness in this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:11-13).

The Bible speaks as to how we should live our lives on a DAILY basis. Look again at the Army's Warrior Ethos and reflect on how it can be lived out as a follower of Christ. I will always place my mission first. Our mission can be found in the Great Commission Jesus gives us, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20). I will never accept defeat. With Christ leading our lives, the world cannot defeat us. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).

I will never quit. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). I will never leave a fallen comrade. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

As we continue into a new year filled with new hope, I encourage you to live out your warrior's ethos...

Pastor Aaron