Ted Okolichany
Columnist
According to Webster, the word “patriot” signifies a person who loves his or her country and is ready to boldly support and defend it. Our God too, wants patriots! God’s patriots must refuse to cast their lot with insurgents who try to divide the people of God.
A patriot is a defender! A time comes when God’s patriots must stand in the gap and defend the faith. Oftentimes, many are eager to volunteer for battle, but few are prepared to endure military life without complaint. We find Jesus’ call for followers in Matthew 12:30: “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” When it comes right down to it, which one are we? Are you a gatherer or a scatterer?
Consider how God sees us in Ephesians 2:19-22 as fellow citizens with the saints, God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone. Claim it! Love it, defend it; support it!
In early Rome, soldiers automatically were conferred Roman citizenship. Citizens fight to protect their city, state or nation. Christian citizens fight to protect their souls and the souls of those whom they love. Citizenship has its Rights and Responsibilities.
In ancient times, soldiers and citizens lined the walls to protect their cities. There was a great blessing to a “walled city” where the enemy could not penetrate. This is why Nehemiah grieved over the wall of Jerusalem and went to such great lengths to get it built. In an attack, the enemy would try to find the weak places – the gaps and holes – where they could march their troops into a city to take it. The Medes and Persians overcame the Babylonians by entering the city through the river Euphrates.
In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, the words written to Timothy commands, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
God’s Patriots fight this battle, and numerous other battles such as the battle against error taught by godless people and false religion. Colossians. 2:8 says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” Note the military phrase: taken captive!
1 Timothy 1:18-19 says, “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”
Friends, we cannot let Satan wreck our faith by throwing in the towel. If you do not know you are in a fight, you will surely lose. If you are not prepared to fight, if you do not put your armor on, if you are not willing to fight, or if you do not give your all in this battle, you will surely lose.
God wants patriots! Patriots that fight battles, stand in gaps, are in the battle and know where the fight is! Can the Lord depend on you? Will you stand in the gap?
Evangelist Ted Okolichany serves at the Central Church of Christ in Monticello.