Soldiers find Purpose in Afghanistan

An article in Sunday's paper tells of a different struggle facing American soldiers returning from war: a loss of purpose and camaraderie. One soldier says, “When I was in Afghanistan as a platoon commander, I had a task; I had a purpose; every day I knew what I was going to do.” Now he says boredom is his greatest fear.

It’s a law of natural life: men seek stimulation because men need stimulation. But there is either the stimulation of the flesh or the inspiration/motivation of the Spirit. Without the latter, there will be an endless search for new and exciting activities and relationships to satisfy the flesh—to find something worth living for.

As committed Christ-followers, we are engaged in a battle—and we find our purpose and solidarity in serving our King. When we are living “kingdom life,” we are anything but bored. Rather, we enjoy a sense of urgency—just like soldiers, a warfare mentality—which is more than enough stimulation for even the most vigorous among us! Is this not what Christ demanded (Matt. 16:19) and Paul restated (2 Co 10:5; Eph 6:12)? So then, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds… encouraging one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25).