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Awards, Standards and Appearances
(excerpts)
In addition to the character
traits discussed in the previous chapter, there are three facets involved in the
life of every Warrior that add some perspective to the way the world was viewed
by the Warriors of long ago. These
three facets helped to further identify and clarify the character and purpose of
a Warrior. This was accomplished by
showing the Warrior the rewards he was assured of for correct action and devoted
service by his Lord’s promise, and were represented by the symbols with which
he identified himself. They served
in some respects as guideposts to aid the Warrior in the approach he took to the
way he lived.
Although they have
changed somewhat from what they used to be and how they were represented, they
are just as present and serve the Warriors of today in much the same way.
These three aspects are Awards, Standards, and Appearances.
The text
then goes on to describe the use of awards and standards in use during the days
of Roman conquest. These practices are shown to be the roots of many of
the traditions we honor in our military today. While rooted in the distant
past, many of the symbols have changed in the way we perceive them.
Ps. 58:11
The upright does have a reward; there is a God to dispense justice on
earth.
Matt. 6:4 . . . and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
A description of the Seven Heavenly Crowns promised as rewards for action is scriptural laid out.
Standards are considered first in the historical application and then in the way we express them today. The loss of Standards militarily is compared to the loss of our Standards today. An eye is cast on the types of role models today.
Standards have
eroded from a very real external symbol which represented the spirit of those
bearing it and serving a very real purpose as a symbolic model, to the internal
and personal standards to which we commonly refer in regards to those principles
which are supposed to shape and direct our actions.
In the past, during times of war and conflict, it was traditional to
“raise the standard” to lead an attack and serve as a point of rally if
disarray were to occur. In the same sense today, in waging this new war, it is time
to “raise our standards” again not to just lead in the attack against the
many destructive influences in our world today, but to form that much needed
rally point to come together and unite our efforts once again under a common
standard. 27Set ye
up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the
nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms . . ..
Jer. 51:27.
What standard are
you flying today? Are you willing
to take a stand under and for a True Standard?
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD
shall lift up a standard against him. Isa.
59:19. This takes courage and a noble fighting spirit in
today’s world. To be willing to
share a standard, be an example, or better yet, take part in instilling values
and standards in the lives of our children today, is a wonderful way to pinpoint
any weaknesses you may have. Your
own standards become clear as you begin sharing them with others.
To be able to impart such knowledge means you have to know, without a
doubt, where you stand under that same standard.
. . . every man in his place by their standards. Num.
2:17. This can be a painful, or
difficult experience, but always a strengthening one.
Start small, working on faith, until you build up your wings and soon you
will fly on the wings of an eagle.
The last topic discussed involves appearances- and how vigilance and wisdom afford protection. The art of modern day deception and the historical use of disguise are discussed.
We
are told later in Revelation the “Mark of the Beast” will be imposed on all-
the great and small, rich and poor, slave and free alike.
We are cautioned that shrewdness and discernment will be required to see
it for what it is, and that many will be deceived.
Rev. 13:16-18. I
think it unlikely that any of us would accept the mark knowing before hand what
it was. If our government were to implement and support this mark as
a means of grand social reform, how many true Christian Warriors would be wary
enough to see it for what it was, and stand against it?
Scriptures tell us that in the final days many believers will be deceived. This is clearly a warning that appearances will be deceiving. If this weren't so, then why would any God fearing intelligent Christian be deceived? What do you expect? Is the TRUE BEAST going to announce to the world having performed all his “miracles and divine deeds,” “Oh. . . By the Way. . . I happen to be the BEAST you have all been warned about!?" Give me a break. Get with the program! The scriptures themselves tell us all that wisdom and discernment will be required to see this monster for what it is. The characteristics of the Warrior would keep us ever vigilant and alert to this form of deception. Let us see what the scriptures say about deception and appearances a little closer: . . .
Now that we have a better understanding of a Warrior’s character, his mettle, we can delve into the spiritual principles of his armor, his metal. These two aspects of a Warrior serve to bolster and add definition to each other.