Boots On The Ground

     There is much to consider when the our government leaders talk of putting “boots on the ground.”  No one likes war and certainly not ones where loved ones are put in harm’s way.  Yet, there are many brave, dedicated men and women willing to sacrifice being away from family, friends, and other loved ones to serve their country.

     When I think about putting “boots on the ground,” I not only considered the controversy over going to war but the commission given in Matthew 28:19-20.
     “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
     Since this commission was issued, and even before, there have been dedicated servants willing to leave family and friends to follow Jesus and take His gospel throughout the nations and even into dangerous territory.  They are strong advocates and missionaries who are willing to put “boots on the ground.”   Then there are some whose intentions start out good but, at some point, simply go AWOL (absent without official leave).   Their intention is not to completely desert their mission but somehow slip and slide until they reach a point where the Commander In Chief redirects their path. 
     A sign stating, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter,” is what really got me to thinking about missions.  What is it and how can we all be missionaries?
     Missions, to me, is being willing to follow God’s call and His commission.  He is our true Commander and Chief, and He has called all Christians to put “boots on the ground.” 
     So, just how can we follow?  Let me sum it up with an acronym.
F- ocus on the gossip
O-ffer love to everyone
L-ove the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind
L-et God work through you
O-perate within God’s direction
W-illingly serve
     Christians need to remember the charge, "Go ye therefore," so we can successfully follow our Commander In Chief into a battle that will allow us to put "boots on the ground."