by Tom Wacaster
I recently read of a soldier who enlisted in the Confederate army during the Civil War. He was a watchmaker by trade, and upon enlisting he took with him his watchmaker's tools. While in camp, he had considerable business. When the order came for battle, the watchmaker looked about his tent in dismay and said, "Why, I can't possibly go now, for I have twelve watches to repair and I've promised them for Saturday." This soldier had forgotten the purpose for which he had been enlisted in the army. His task was NOT to make watches, but to serve the leader under which he had enrolled. Unfortunately, this man is a fitting representation of a great number who are enlisted in the Lord's army, called to do battle against the spiritual hosts of darkness and wickedness, and yet they have allowed a great number of distractions to keep them from their purpose. Many a Christian has simply failed to realize that there is a battle going on. They have become wrapped up in the affairs of the world and forgotten the purpose for which they have been called. Friend, are you so busy that you have not the time to help those about you? Are you so busy that you neglect your family? Are you so busy that you do not have time to seek the Lord's will in your life through a daily reading and study of His word? If so, then I would suggest that, indeed, you ARE TOO BUSY. "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier of service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:3-4). "Wherefore, take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13).