The Phalanx

We are called to be part of what God is doing. We are called to go where He wants us, so He can bless us. It is God who is doing; we are simply called to go. As we go, we are promised that we are not alone. God is with us in the form of the Holy Spirit. God also sends us partners to work with in the tasks He has called us. Paul never worked alone as he went to the cities of Asia Minor. Paul always had another person or a group with him.

As we are called to tell others about what Christ did on the cross, we have partners in the ministry. We serve with a body of other Christ-followers (the church). Even as a body or a church, we aren’t alone in the work. God has other like minded churches we can partner with to reach the community around us.

As one person or one church, we can only do some much for Christ. As we partner with others, we can do more. A great picture of this is the Greek Phalanx.

The Phalanx was used by the Greek army in battle. There have been few military units as devastating in their time as the Greek Phalanx. Heavily armored and insanely well trained, these soldiers were capable of standing against any and all challengers. Phalanx units were funny things. Each man depended on every other man to hold the formation. If enough of your fellow soldiers lost their courage, your unit would be lost. It was an interesting practice for phalanx commanders to divide their very best soldiers among the front line and the very last line of their units. The front line fighters needed to be strong because they were slamming headlong into their opponents. But the back line warriors needed to be experienced because they needed to keep all of the other soldiers from running away. They would shout encouragement, push against the lines ahead of them and, if necessary, threaten the other soldiers to make sure they kept their minds on the business at hand. Running from a fight was considered cowardly, not just because you lost your nerve, but also because you doomed your mates to a horrible fate. It was said that a Greek should never die with a wound in his back.

Just as a Greek soldier depended on his fellow soldier in the phalanx, we as Christ-followers depend on one another for encouragement as we serve Christ. God sends people our way to equip us (Pastors). God sends people our way to encourage and assist us (mentors/teachers and friends). One person can only do so much for the cause of Christ. We need to help each other to grow in the Word and encourage one another as we do what God has called us.

Take the time to encourage a friend and fellow Christian. Ask them how you can pray for them. Be the one to encourage because one day, the person you just encourage will be the one who will encourage you.

Thanks for reading and until next time grow where God has placed you.