Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage forever:
For they are the rejoicing of my heart (Psa 119.111).

Many people are involved with the Bible, but few are committed to it. The difference between involvement and commitment is illustrated by a plate of bacon and eggs. The chicken was involved; the pig was committed.

Even before testings and temptations come, we must be settled in our commitment to believe and obey Scripture or we will waver in the hour of decision. We must have our minds made up beforehand—once and for all—that we are determined to follow God’s Word no matter what.
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My soul is continually in my hand:
Yet do I not forget thy law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me:
Yet I erred not from thy precepts (Psa 119.109-110).

Since the beginning of the world, some of the greatest saints have been soldiers. The popular assumption that following Jesus requires pacifism is, in general, greatly mistaken. The military is an honorable calling, and there is such a thing as a just war. Greatly influencing Christian thought ever since, Augustine taught that “war should be fought to secure justice and to reestablish peace.”¹ Military commanders are sometimes portrayed in Scripture as men of commendable religion and principle. John the Baptist counseled soldiers to do their jobs well with justice and integrity, and to be content with their wages—not to abandon their military service (Luke 3.14). The soldier is an extension of the state’s authority; like other government officials, he bears the sword for the good of the nation (Rom 13.4). Indeed, the Lord God himself is “a man of war” (Exod 15.3).
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