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Feb 20, 2026 06:00am

A Soldier Never Fights Alone: Why Unity in the Church Matters

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“A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him.” – G.K. Chesterton

There was a time in our nation’s history when a man would receive a call and learn he had been drafted into the army.

Honor.
Commitment.
Love for fellow man and country.
Ready to serve.
Willing to die.

This was an incredible calling for which many men and women have given their lives. They knew it was worth it because what they were fighting for was more than just happiness or a good life.

They fought for freedom.

Ephesians 4:1
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”

Who was Paul saying this to? Was it some great leader? Was it a ruler or a king?

It was every believer.

All believers in Christ have been called—but to what?

The word called refers to being given a name or a title. Our title is child of God, a Christian, a soldier for Christ. Our calling is a vocation—it’s our job, our orders. And what are they? It is a divine invitation to embrace the salvation of God.

To be saved by God and to live it out.

Paul doesn’t leave us to figure out what that means on our own; he gives us instructions for how to live out that calling. But just like any soldier, you don’t fight alone. You’re called to serve together to accomplish the mission.

Just like a soldier has the army, believers are called to serve together in the Church.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”

Just as there must be unity on the battlefield, followers of Christ must be unified to serve for the kingdom of God.

Some will say, “You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian.” Well, that’s true. But a soldier isn’t much of a soldier without comrades.

The local church is a beautiful place to grow as a follower of Christ, to serve one another, to use your gifts, and to be trained to go out to the mission field.

If you’re not in a church, find one—one that preaches the Word of God, teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, and proclaims that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Find a place that’s active in the mission of God.

But Paul’s message wasn’t just for people to be a part of a church; it was for the people within the churches to serve with a unified spirit.

God has called you to an incredible calling—to be His soldier. We fight for freedom. Share the forgiveness that Christ has offered you. Let’s live out our calling with honor, integrity, and courage.