“I’m no volunteer! I’m a regular!”

In the parlor of his home in 1878, William Booth was dictating the words of an annual report for his East London evangelistic outreach. His eldest son, Bramwell, stood nearby while an aide, George Scott Railton, wrote down Booth’s words.

“The Christian mission,” William Booth began, “is a volunteer army …”

Bramwell interrupted. You see, in Victorian-era Britain, military volunteers were not looked upon favorably. “Volunteer? I’m no volunteer; I’m a regular!” was Bramwell’s retort. The elder Booth told Railton to strike out “volunteer” and replace it with the word “salvation”—which is why the organization has been known for most of the past 150 years as The Salvation Army, with William Booth as its first General.

Today, Booth’s movement operates in 128 nations, and its military-style uniforms, marching bands, and titles may make it the most visible representation of the Christian church as an army.

But the notion of the church as God’s army is indeed an old one. God’s followers have long been engaged in a battle against Satan and his fallen angels, and while the struggle has been long—and remains today—we know what the ultimate outcome will be: God and His people triumph!

Between now and that day of victory, however, the struggle is real. As Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).

Just as Bramwell remonstrated all those decades ago, let us commit ourselves to being “regular” soldiers in the battle against sin, and for the hearts and minds of those held in the enemy’s grip!

Apply It:

As you go about your daily routine, remember you are in enemy territory. Satan wants to distract believers from reaching their heavenly goal and from bringing others to Jesus. By God’s grace, fight the good fight of faith.

Dig Deeper:

Acts 20:29, 30; 1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 12:12, 17

Key Bible Texts

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13 KJV)