A Good Soldier of Christ, July 4

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3, 4. A genuine Christian will labor only to please God, having an eye single to His glory, and enjoying the reward of doing His will.... Love for souls for whom Christ died will lead to a denial of self, and a willingness to make any sacrifice in order to be co-workers with Christ in the salvation of souls.—Testimonies for the Church 2:549. The strength of an army is measured largely by the efficiency of the men in the ranks.” A wise general instructs his officers to train every soldier for active service. He seeks to develop the highest efficiency on the part of all.... He counts on loyal and untiring service from every man in his army.... And so it is in the army of Prince Emmanuel. Our General, who has never lost a battle, expects willing, faithful service from everyone who has enlisted under His banner.—Testimonies for the Church 9:116. No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart is in the work, and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. No man who makes any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less can he be His co-laborer. When men appreciate the great salvation, the self-sacrifice seen in Christ’s life will be seen in theirs. Wherever He leads the way, they will rejoice to follow.—The Desire of Ages, 273.