“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” -William Shakespeare – Henry V
As an Alabama State Trooper, I had the opportunity to train law enforcement officers all over Alabama and in other states. One thing I learned after over 24 years in law enforcement is that all police officers are basically the same no matter where you go. Law enforcement officers, not unlike soldiers, will stand up and support anyone else in the same profession of service that they are in, no matter what department or organization’s uniform you wear. Even though I am a police officer from Alabama, these officers from other agencies used to treat me just like anybody they work with from their department. Why? Because there is a bond that comes with being involved in the same fight. Being in the same family.
“They shall be like mighty men, Who tread down their enemies In the mire of the streets in the battle. They shall fight because the Lord is with them, And the riders on horses shall be put to shame.” (Zechariah 10:5)
God has taught me something else through working with officers and soldiers that I had never met. As a minister, I, like many other minsters talk a lot about how important it is for Christians to keep other Christians accountable. To call each other out when we stray from our Christian walk or when we do something contrary to God’s teaching. Accountability is important. But God has showed me that it is just as important to have brothers and sisters who are willing to stand beside me and fight when the evil one attacks!
“Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:4-5)
We are brothers and sisters in Christ! This is our bond! This is our fight! We serve the Lord and do battle with Satan daily.
Why do we stray from God’s path? Why do we fail to follow God’s teaching? This does not happen by chance, brothers and sisters. This is a calculated strike by the devil himself to bring us down and separate us from the One who has already saved us (Ephesians 6:12).
While it is great to have someone point out where we have fallen it is even better to have someone who will pick us up and carry us off the battlefield (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Someone who will help to fight off the devil by joining in prayer (Acts 4:31) or by praying for that one who has failed (Romans 8:26). Someone willing to stand up and take up the fight for me if I cannot (Ezekiel 22:30).
Pointing out our brother’s and sister’s errors is necessary, but are you willing to fight against the wickedness that causes a brother to fall?
I love you church! See you soon!
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