THE DESERTER'S SYNDROME

THE DESERTER'S SYNDROME

"Demas has left me and he has gone to Thessalonica city. He wanted to enjoy the things of this world too much. Crescens has gone to Galatia region. Titus has gone to Dalmatia region".- 2 Timothy 4:10 (EASY)

In his book titled "The Deserters", Charles Glass profiled the life of Stephen Weiss, a 19 year old soldier who walked away from the 36th Infantry Division in France during World War II in October 1944. Weiss deserted his duty post and sought the safety of the rear as his unit was pounded by German artillery. When he was asked during his court martial procedures why he walked away, he said: “Because I broke down inside. The artillery shells were coming and I shook all over and just went to pieces.” He was then dishonourably discharged and sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour. (The Deserters: A Hidden History of World War II by  Charles Glass)

"From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life" -John  6:66-68 (KJV)

Whenever I hear stories of how valiant soldiers of the Cross are walking away from their duty post like Stephen Weiss, my heart bleeds uncontrollably. Then, I understand why the question that Jesus Christ asked the twelve disciples in John 6:67 is still relevant in our generation. It is quite saddening to see many Demas' absconding to Thessalonica in pursuit of worldly pleasures, many Crescens' and Titus' heading to Galatia and Dalmatia respectively. The Deserters Syndrome that disconnected many soldiers of Christ from their commanding officers during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul is still wrecking havoc in our generation. This terrible syndrome had turned the back of many great destinies to the narrow path. Like Weiss, they fled the path of life because something broke down inside them. Yes, something happened within them that loosed their rope of allegiance and consecration to God. The love of this world has poured cold water on the blasting altars of their souls. The artillery of worldliness has decimated their souls and torn into pieces the armoury of God within them.  

It is obvious that we have many absconded believers or deserted soldiers of Jesus Christ everywhere in this  generation. They seek the safety of the rear by shying away from their duties and responsibilities in the Kingdom. They have been distracted and lured away from kingdom service by their jobs, career, business,  friends, spouse and even family members. Some deserted the Kingdom's Army because of unfulfilled dreams and expectations. Many have walked away because no one appreciates them while others stepped aside because of pride, unresolved conflicts, unforgiveness, pleasure and sinful habits. 

Beloved, I hope you are not among the deserters in the Lord's Army. I hope heaven has not declared you AWOL (Absent Without Leave). Hope the altar of righteousness, joy and sacrifice within you has not broken down? Hope you are not the Brother/Sister/Deacon/Pastor/Evangelist Demas or Titus of your church? Are you still among the faithful soldiers of the Cross? Are you still in the Lord's Army or have you absconded? Are you willing to go to wherever the duty calls for thee? If your answers to these questions is not affirmative,  then repent now or prepare to face the heaven's court marshal for being AWOL (Absent Without Leave). 

Friends, I strongly believe God is calling you and I to renew our commitment to serve Him like a valiant and faithful soldier until the trumpet sounds. One very simple but powerful hymn that describes what God expects from His valiant soldiers is titled "Faithful Unto Death". 

FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH by Fanny J Crosby

Up and onward, Christian soldier,
Hear thy lord’s divine command;
Be thou ready when he calls thee
In the foremost ranks to stand.

Refrain:
          Unto death, O be thou faithful,
          Strong in Him, thy Strength and Shield;
          Go thou forth where duty calls thee,
          Truth’s eternal sword to wield.

Up and onward, Christian soldier,
To the conflict and the strife;
God will test thy zeal and courage,
Ere thou enter into life.

Up and onward, be not weary,
Do not lay thy armor down;
Thou must fight the battle bravely,
Ere thy soul can wear a crown.

Up and onward, firm and fearless,
Like the vet’rans of the past;
Then, thro’ him whose grace redeems thee,
Thou shalt overcome at last.

My prayer for you and my humble self is that we shall never be declared AWOL in the army of God. Nothing in this world will lure us away from our commanding officer -Jesus Christ. The oil of mercy will mend everything broken within us. His grace will keep us standing at our duty posts till the trumpet sounds. God will restore every deserters back into His fold never to walk away again in Jesus name. And as the Lord lives, we shall be among the valiant soldiers of the Cross who will wear crowns of reward for faithful service on the golden shore in Jesus name.  Amen   

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, I want to invite you to the October 2019 Holy Ghost service. Date: Friday- October 4, 2019. Theme: His Power And Glory. Time: 7pm (Nigerian Time). Venue: Redemption Camp, Km 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria.  Ministering: Our beloved Daddy G.O - Pastor E.A Adeboye and other anointed Ministers of God.

Happy new month. Good morning and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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