Sniper for Sin

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believeon him and receive eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:15-16

In the Marines we trained to make every shot count. “One shot, one kill” was a constant refrain. It seems very cold blooded but in many ways it is actually quite humane. While artillery and bombs may kill hundreds in an instant, the infantryman must kill one person at a time. In this fashion the infantryman more easily separates innocent bystanders from enemy combatants. Of course there is a down side, it is messy, extremely difficult and exhausting. The effort of the infantryman lessens with his increased efficiency. Therefore he sets his goal to make only one shot for each kill.

Precision and accuracy win the emotional battle much faster than death tolls. Just consider playing the basketball game of H-O-R-S-E. Ever played with someone who was really good at shooting? They were very precise and accurate. They could call, “All net” or bank-shots at will. They could shoot three point shots and hook shots. Did you have to wait until you lost before you felt defeated? No. The same is true in war. The Marines know that they only need to prove their skill and the battle will be won. No one will continue to fight when they are certain that every bullet will find its mark.

Marines for God must strive for biblical accuracy and scriptural precision. We are fighting for the soul of men, we must drive the demons of sin from the heart. These enemies are also discouraged by our skilled application of God's word. "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."- 2 Corinthians 10:5-6.

The epitome of Marine marksmanship is the marine sniper. Marine snipers are responsible for targets that are 600 to 1000 yards. They have been known to hit targets over 1 mile away. For a little perspective, Marines qualify each year with the M16A2 rifle at 200, 300 and 500 yard targets. At the 500 yard range, you are required to take 10 shots at a 4 foot tall silloutte target from a prone position (lying on stomach). The effects of wind at the relatively short distance can be severe. Breathing incorrectly can cause the bullet to miss the 6foot by 6 foot target area completely (let alone the 4foot silloutte). Therefore a shot made to twice that distance or more is the result of significant skill.

The Marine for God should strive for this level of skill. We must be prepared to provide more than a simple answer. We must be surgical in our argument. As Paul writes, we aim to demolish arguments made against God. We are not shooting to wound, or scare them off, or make them think twice. We are not leaving room for negotiation with Satan. Marines don't fire 'warning shots'. It is one shot, one kill efficiency.

Does your evangelism reflect this level of accuracy or are you more of the secret agent Christian?

Can you compassionately listen to a co-worker's rants without agreeing with their sinful emotions; patiently waiting for the opportunity to open God's word?

Does your daily bible study prepare you for delivering a convincing blow to Satan's lies entrenched in the heart of your neighbor?

I am convicted as I write these words and hope that you are inspired to join me in re-doubling our efforts. It will take training, patience and courage to overcome our inhibitions.

Never Tired

"Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but
those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar
on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk
and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31

Marines are not allowed to be tired. I heard this phrase throughout
Boot Camp. There we lived on just a few hours of sleep and 3 rushed
meals each day. I was exhausted, but didn't feel it. Boot Camp is
designed to break any person. Heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe
lasted 7 days at Marine Corps Boot Camp.

To this day I can push my physical limits. I recall the strain of the
15th mile in an 18 mile forced march, the 70th straight hour without
sleep on guard duty, or the 3rd hour of standing rigidly at attention
for a uniform inspection. At the time following orders was my
motivation. I convinced myself that I was not allowed to be tired.

I combated exhaustion with mental toughness; the belief that I could
not fail, I could not let down my band of brothers, I could not let
down the Corps. The Marine for God fights spiritual exhaustion. Have
you ever become tired of doing the right thing? Have you every felt
tired of helping someone else? Do you grow weary with the
stubbornness, arrogance and selfishness of others? It is spiritual
toughness that overcomes these times. Spiritual toughness is our
ability to find potential and goodness in everyone. With God's love,
it is amazing how much more we can accomplish than we thought we
could. The Marine for God is motivated in the same way as the US
Marine; the belief that failure is not an option. We can't let down
our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can't let down the church and
we can't let down God (we don't actually let Him down, rather we
motivate ourselves as loving response to his unconditional love). Our
love of God and our desire to serve him are our motivation. When we
put our hope in God we will not be tired. (Isaiah 40:30-31 "Those who
hope in the Lord will renew their strength.")

Let me re-iterate my main points: First, spiritual perseverance is
much more than physical perseverance. Second, God is our motivation.

The concept of perseverance permeates the bible. Every letter in the
New Testament speaks upon the subject in some form or another.
Classic admonishments are Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 12:1, James 1:2-4,
James 1:12, Revelation 2:3. These we cannot ignore.

Consider also the ending to both of Peter's letters,

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in
Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore
you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10).

"…be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error
of lawless men and afall from your secure position. But grow in the
grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…"(2 Peter
3:17-18).

Consider God's confidence in Job. It was Job's ability to withstand
the trials of Satan through perseverance.

The conclusion of Solomon's life experiment in Ecclesiastes, "Fear God
and keep his commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Joshua was commanded to, "not let this Book of the Law depart from
your mouth…" (Joshua 1:8).

Jesus spoke on keeping faith alive and strong repeatedly. In the
gospel of Luke, Jesus admonishes us to remain watchful, "Be dressed
ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for
their master to return home from a wedding banquet, so that when he
comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him." (Luke
12:35).

The common theme to spiritual perseverance is the requirement it
places on us. We have to be willing participants in this 'battle for
our souls' and we must be willing to fight through the tough times.
Do you want to feel that teeth gritting, heart pounding persevering
feeling akin to the 15th mile of the 18 mile hike, the 25th mile of
the marathon or the 70th hour of foot partrol? Good, you should!
Love the world and feel it's pain. Cry when you see someone on the
street begging for money. Persevere in keeping sarcasm from your
lips. Be positive in the face your negative attitudes. Love the
unloveable when it hurts to love them. These are the battles in which
the Marine for God must never grow tired.