Mark 16:15: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Missions month and Veterans Day bring an opportunity to reflect on two noble callings: one spiritual, the other physical. Both missionaries and soldiers are tasked with stepping outside their comfort zones to serve a purpose greater than themselves. As we honor their contributions, it becomes clear how much these vocations share in spirit, preparation, and commitment.
“Go Ye Into All the World”
Missions are the lifeblood of the Great Commission, a divine mandate to bring the Gospel not only to our neighbors but to the furthest reaches of the globe. Missionaries are more than preachers; they are teachers, mentors, and builders. Their work helps establish self-sustaining local churches that eventually send out missionaries of their own, creating a ripple effect that spans nations and generations.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-6:
“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.”
Missionaries’ tasks often include developing leadership, empowering communities to engage in discipleship, and training local believers to share their faith. This ensures that the Gospel does not depend on foreign aid alone but thrives as an organic, local movement. Just as the early church multiplied through shared testimony and sacrifice, today’s missionaries are continuing that divine strategy.
Likewise, the military serves as an extension of humanitarian aid and freedom. Soldiers are sent to far-flung corners of the world, where they help rebuild communities ravaged by conflict or natural disaster. They train foreign forces to stand strong, defend their people, and even assist neighboring nations in times of need. Their presence brings stability and hope, just as missionaries bring spiritual renewal.
1 Timothy 1:18:
“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare.”
Both missionaries and soldiers are agents of change, tasked with confronting challenges and spreading hope across barriers of language, culture, and geography.
A Call to Prepare
Preparation is a cornerstone of both missions and military service. For missionaries, the call to serve begins long before they step onto the mission field. Their journey involves studying Scripture, developing spiritual disciplines, and often attending Bible college or seminary. This intensive preparation equips them to navigate the cultural, theological, and logistical complexities of cross-cultural ministry.
Colossians 3:16:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Missionaries must not only know the Bible but also understand the unique needs of the communities they serve. Whether learning a new language, adapting to unfamiliar customs, or addressing sensitive social issues, their readiness is rooted in a deep, abiding relationship with God and a willingness to grow in wisdom.
In the military, preparation is equally rigorous. Soldiers begin their journey in basic training, where they are stripped of civilian habits and molded into disciplined, focused individuals. From there, they undergo specialized training to master the technical skills required for their specific roles. Over time, soldiers learn leadership and strategy, preparing them for responsibilities that often mean life or death.
Joshua 4:13:
“About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.”
The parallel is striking: both missionaries and soldiers must prepare not only their minds and bodies but also their hearts. The mission—whether spiritual or physical—demands unwavering focus, resilience, and faith.
The Role of a Servant
Service is the essence of both vocations. Missionaries and soldiers willingly place themselves under authority, dedicating their lives to the commands of a higher power.
Colossians 3:22:
“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.”
Missionaries exemplify servanthood by surrendering their preferences and comforts to God’s will. They go where they are called, often living in challenging conditions, eating unfamiliar foods, and embracing the unknown. Their obedience stems from a deep desire to honor God and serve others selflessly.
Similarly, soldiers learn early on that obedience is non-negotiable. In basic training, they are taught to put aside personal ambitions and align themselves with the mission. This discipline prepares them to respond decisively under pressure, ensuring the success of their team and the safety of those they protect.
Both roles require humility and a heart focused on the greater good, mirroring Christ’s example of servanthood.
Enduring Hardness
2 Timothy 2:3:
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Hardship is an undeniable part of both missions and military service, testing the endurance, faith, and resilience of those called to these roles. For missionaries, the challenges often begin long before they reach the mission field. They may face the uncertainty of leaving behind family, friends, and familiar comforts to embark on a journey of faith. Once on the field, they encounter physical challenges such as harsh climates, inadequate medical care, and limited resources. Cultural misunderstandings and language barriers add another layer of difficulty, requiring patience and humility to navigate effectively. Missionaries often face emotional trials, including loneliness, homesickness, and the heartache of seeing people reject the Gospel. In some cases, they endure persecution for their faith, risking their safety for the sake of spreading God’s Word.
Soldiers also understand what it means to endure hardship. From the rigors of basic training to the challenges of deployment, their lives are marked by physical and emotional tests. Soldiers may sleep in the dirt, work through extreme weather, and go without adequate food or rest for extended periods. Whether in conflict zones or disaster-stricken areas, they face constant threats to their safety, yet remain steadfast in their duty. Separation from loved ones adds an emotional burden, as they sacrifice time with their families to fulfill their mission.
Despite these hardships, both missionaries and soldiers draw strength from their purpose. Missionaries find joy in advancing God’s Kingdom, knowing their efforts contribute to eternal transformations. The hope of seeing lives changed and souls saved sustains them through even the most difficult circumstances. Similarly, soldiers take pride in their role as protectors, finding meaning in defending freedom and justice for others. Their sacrifices are rooted in a deep commitment to something greater than themselves.
Endurance in these roles requires a focus on the higher calling, whether it is serving God or one’s nation. For missionaries, this means relying on God’s strength and promises to persevere through trials. For soldiers, it involves trusting their training and fellow servicemembers to carry them through the challenges. Both understand that the path they walk is not an easy one, but it is one worth taking for the sake of their mission and the lives they touch.
Avoiding Entanglements
2 Timothy 2:4:
“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
Missionaries and soldiers alike must maintain unwavering focus, ensuring that nothing distracts them from their ultimate purpose. Both vocations demand a singularity of mind and dedication to the mission at hand. Distractions or unresolved commitments can compromise their ability to serve effectively and honor the one who called them to their role.
For soldiers, this often means carefully delegating personal and financial responsibilities before deployment. They entrust their families, homes, and day-to-day affairs to others so they can fully dedicate themselves to the demands of their mission. With the weight of these concerns lifted, they can focus on their task, whether it is combat, humanitarian aid, or peacekeeping. Soldiers must be agile and ready to respond to orders without hesitation, knowing that their preparedness can mean life or death for themselves and others.
Missionaries face a similar challenge, though their “entanglements” may differ. They must remain free from burdens such as unresolved debts, unhealthy relationships, or worldly distractions that could hinder their ministry. By simplifying their lives and focusing on their calling, missionaries are better able to respond to God’s direction, even when it requires sacrifices of time, comfort, or personal desires.
Both roles demand a mindset of service over self-interest. For missionaries, this means trusting God to provide and sustain them as they pursue His work. For soldiers, it means relying on their training, discipline, and team to achieve their mission objectives. Ultimately, avoiding entanglements allows both missionaries and soldiers to serve wholeheartedly, keeping their eyes fixed on their respective goals: pleasing their Commander and fulfilling their mission. This clarity of focus empowers them to act decisively, undeterred by distractions, and to leave a lasting impact in their fields of service.
The Tools of the Mission
Every mission requires tools, carefully chosen to meet the unique challenges and objectives of the task at hand. The tools available to missionaries and soldiers, though vastly different, are equally vital in fulfilling their respective callings. For missionaries, their most powerful weapon is the Word of God, a living and active force that transforms hearts and minds.
Ephesians 6:13:
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Missionaries are equipped with spiritual tools, including prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These tools empower them to confront spiritual battles against sin, unbelief, and darkness. Prayer provides direct communication with God, offering strength and wisdom in moments of doubt or hardship. The Scriptures serve as both a guide and a weapon, sharper than any two-edged sword, bringing truth and light to those in need. The Holy Spirit acts as their constant companion, directing their steps and giving them the courage to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity.
For soldiers, the tools of their mission are often physical and tangible. They rely on weapons for combat, vehicles for transport, and machinery for tasks like clearing debris or rebuilding infrastructure. In times of peace, their tools might include medical supplies for humanitarian aid or even a warm meal for those affected by disaster. Soldiers must be adept at adapting their tools to fit the situation, whether it’s providing security, aiding in recovery efforts, or directly engaging in combat. Each tool plays a critical role in achieving their mission’s goals.
Preparation and training are essential for both missionaries and soldiers to wield their tools effectively. Missionaries must study Scripture deeply and practice communicating the Gospel clearly and compassionately. Soldiers, too, spend countless hours in training to master their equipment and understand its capabilities. Without proper preparation, even the most advanced tools are rendered ineffective.
Both missionaries and soldiers recognize that tools are only as effective as the hands that wield them. Their success lies not only in the quality of their equipment but also in their skill, focus, and reliance on a higher purpose. For missionaries, their tools serve the eternal purpose of building God’s Kingdom, while for soldiers, their tools protect lives and uphold justice. Together, their commitment to utilizing these tools with wisdom and diligence reflects their dedication to the missions they are called to fulfill.
Fighting the Good Fight
1 Timothy 6:11-12:
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
The concept of fighting the good fight resonates deeply with both missionaries and soldiers. For missionaries, the battle is spiritual, waged against sin, unbelief, and the spiritual darkness that blinds hearts and minds. Their ultimate goal is to bring light, hope, and the transformative power of the Gospel to a lost and dying world. They face opposition from societal pressures, cultural barriers, and sometimes outright persecution, yet they press forward, driven by their faith and trust in God’s promises.
For soldiers, the fight is often physical, confronting oppression and standing as protectors of the vulnerable. Their mission is to defend justice and uphold liberty, often at great personal risk. Whether responding to the call of duty on foreign soil or providing aid in times of crisis, soldiers exhibit unwavering dedication and sacrifice for the greater good.
Both must remain steadfast, drawing strength from their faith and their cause. Their courage and perseverance inspire others to rise to challenges, whether advancing God’s Kingdom or defending the values of freedom and human dignity. Fighting the good fight requires endurance, selflessness, and a focus on the higher purpose that transcends personal gain.
Conclusion
Missionaries and soldiers are united by their commitment to serve, their willingness to endure, and their dedication to a higher calling. Whether spreading the Gospel or defending freedom, their work is a testament to the power of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Matthew 8:8-10:
“The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
This Veterans Day, as we honor those who have served in the military, let us also remember the missionaries who labor tirelessly for the Gospel. May their example challenge us to live with purpose, faith, and devotion, wherever God has called us to serve.
The King James Bible is a book that God provided, that was written over a 1500 year span where God used 40 men of God to write down God’s words from Shepherds to Kings across three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe) in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) and translated for the English speaking people to a point of perfection in circa 1611 with no errors and no contradictions.
I recall sitting with my Father and listening to him tell a story and ask him how I might be a good storyteller, he replied; all you need to do is place yourself in the story, then tell others what you see. As a youth I used this storyteller mindset in my school papers writing in such a way that allowed my teachers to participate with me in the story. I found that when I added the three S’s that it added substance to my stories. Those three S’s are Sight, Sound and Smell.
Before jumping into the moral of the story, set the scene, and let people look around with you. Was it hot or cold? Rain or sunny? Day or night? Was it loud with the crowd shouting or whispers of murmuring? Did it smell like flowers on a spring day or the smell of pigs in the trough. How were they dressed? You see the more info you can provide to set the scene, the better your audience will be able to relate to it.
Experiencing the Scriptures in your Own Life