Christian Soldiers

Ive literally heard a thousand sermons preaching against the idea of works for Salvation. However, Im not sure anyone REALLY believes it. They are holding tightly to the HOPE that the works they are comfortable doing are counting for something, rather than obeying the obvious commandments. In the same way you drink a Diet Coke with your cheeseburger…nothing nutritional is occurring, you just want to convince yourself that you have sacrificed for good.

Recent studies and ministry reflections show a growing concern that churches are overly focused on internal programming while neglecting the very people Jesus prioritized: the poor, the marginalized, the outsider.

Ministry or Maintenance? The Trap of Internal Focus

Many churches today are bustling with activity—Bible studies, worship rehearsals, committee meetings, youth lock-ins—but these often serve the already-convinced. It’s what one article called “internal growth,” where churches measure success by how many members are engaged in ministry within the walls, not how many lives are being transformed outside them.

This creates a kind of spiritual echo chamber. Christians serve Christians. Programs feed programs. And the commandment to “love your neighbor”—especially the one who’s hungry, homeless, or hurting—is quietly sidelined.

What Did Jesus Actually Say?

Jesus didn’t mince words:

• “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
• “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
• “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37, after the parable of the Good Samaritan)

He didn’t say, “Love your neighbor if they’re clean, churched, and doctrinally aligned.” He said neighbor, period.

Busy Work vs. Kingdom Work

TOO many Christians create “busy work” in ministry—safe, familiar, controllable tasks that feel spiritual but avoid the discomfort of real obedience. Loving the homeless, feeding the hungry, welcoming the addict or the ex-con—that’s messy. It’s unpredictable. It’s sacrificial. And it’s exactly what Jesus did.

In love, here’s my question:

How can we be “Onward Christian Soldiers” if we never leave the barracks?