The Christian Life Was Never Described as a Vacation | BE Militant

Day 258 — BE Militant | Pastor Kerry Francis | September 19, 2026 A Year in Freedom Daily Devotional | NFCM House of Freedom The Christian life was never described as a vacation. Scripture calls it a war. But somewhere between our comfortable faith culture and what the Bible actually says, we softened the language, removed the armor, and stopped talking about enemies and battles because it felt too intense for the gentle Jesus we prefer. Jesus flipped tables. Paul said fight. The army of God was never meant to be at ease. In today's devotional, Pastor Kerry Francis calls us back to active duty. Paul tells Timothy to join in suffering as a good soldier, and to avoid getting entangled in civilian affairs. A good soldier doesn't pick battles by personal comfort — he follows orders, holds ground, and stays at his post no matter how long or costly the fight becomes. Civilian Christianity, by contrast, engages only when convenient, retreats when it gets expensive, and negotiates with what should be resisted. We call that passivity peace, when it's really losing ground without a fight. That word entangled means to weave into, to get caught up in. The soldier who grows too comfortable loses his edge and his readiness — and often ends up harming himself or others. So what have you been weaving yourself into that's dulling your alertness? Where have you been taking the path of least resistance in the very place God is asking you to resist? Ephesians says put on the full armor — every piece, not only the ones that feel natural or cost you nothing to adjust. Leave nothing uncovered, because the enemy studies what's exposed, and whatever is unprotected is at risk of being stolen. And after doing everything: stand. Hold the ground you've taken. Don't surrender what God gave you because the fight has gotten long. Be clear on what this means. Militancy isn't aggression toward people — it's aggressive resistance against whatever opposes God's purpose in your life: the thoughts to be pulled down, the patterns to be broken, the ground quietly given up. Our weapons aren't carnal; they're mighty through God, able to demolish strongholds and bring every thought captive. Resist the enemy, and he will flee — but resist means putting up a fight, not running and hiding. He doesn't stop advancing when you get tired. Key Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:3–4, Ephesians 6:13, 2 Corinthians 10:4–5, James 4:7 Comment: "Today I will BE Militant." 🎧 Hear more from Pastor Kerry Francis:    / @kerrytfrancis   🌐 Go deeper + full journey:    • Freedom Daily Devotionals   #BeMilitant #DailyDevotional #AYearInFreedom #NFCMHouseOfFreedom #2Timothy2 #ArmorOfGod #SpiritualWarfare #Ephesians6