‘Thoughts'

 

-- A Marine and His Rifle --

 

“The deadliest weapon in the world is a marine and his rifle!” (John J Pershing)

No self-respecting Marine would ever go into combat without his weapon. A Marine prides himself in his knowledge of, and ability with, his rifle.

“ Every Marine is a Rifleman, ” is more than a catchy slogan. Marines are serious about their rifle. In boot camp two full weeks are devoted to training recruits in the proper “ care and feeding ” of their rifle.

“ This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life .” This is one of the foundations in the creed of the Marine Corps.

Most importantly of all, you learn to shoot it! This is the true test of all marines. You practice until you've taught your body how to become one with this weapon.

Every Marine covets the bright metal badges to wear on their uniforms that signify to all their proficiency in shooting. It not only signifies their ability but that they can be counted on and relied upon in combat to effectively use their rifle.

In like fashion, we as Christians are in every sense the Lord's Marine Corp. We serve Him in every arena of combat (land, sea, and air), not in physical combat, but spiritual, note how Paul describes it:

Ephesians 6:11-12

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

We have been given every necessary unit of combat equipment needed for the fight. However, we like the Marines have been given a specific weapon that both unifies all the other parts, but is the only weapon of offense, note:

Ephesians 6:17 “and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”

This sword of the Spirit is to be our rifle. We like the Marines must learn to sleep with it, become so familiar with it as to be able to rely on it for all our weaknesses, become complete in our service, as well as assist others.

If proficiency is gained people will see our badge of honor (not on our apparel but in our lives). James says that we have been brought forth by the word of truth ( James 1:18 ). Having this gift we must become proficient workers, disciples, and soldiers of Christ.

Now drop and give me 50 memory verses!!!!!!!