Ask any officer in the United States Army if they’ve heard of the Army Officer’s Guide and you’ll probably get a look that says, ‘are you crazy, of course I have!” Conduct a quick Google search and you’ll find that The Army Officer’s Guide is in it’s 53rd edition, having began publication in 1930. While this book is not an official Department of Defense publication, it’s highly regarded as a guide to help Army Officers understand their responsibilities, what’s expected of them at every rank, and most importantly, how to conduct themselves in and out of uniform. A sister-friend to this book is one entitled Service Etiquette, which provides universal insight into the social behavior and civility expected of both seasoned and unseasoned military leaders. I still have my copy, given to me as a gift by one of my most respected leaders during my time in the service.

There are many scriptures in the Bible that liken Christians to Soldiers in the Army. In the Second Book of Timothy, Paul encourages followers of Christ to endure hardships like Soldiers and, in other passages, we are given distinction between spiritual warriors and, what I’d like to call us humans, foot Soldiers. We are being observed on a continual basis and it’s incumbent upon us to put forth our best behavior. After all, we are not only made in God’s image, but we may be the only ‘Bible’ that many people see. What we say and do matters. Always has – always will.

So, does that mean we put on a facade every time we exit the doors of our home? Of course not! God doesn’t want actors in a play. He wants genuine behavior that reflects who He is and whose we are. We are faced with many challenges throughout the day, which is why spending time with God first and daily is key to our conduct, word, and deed. Just as Soldiers in the Army look to guidebooks to help master their behavior, we all can look to the Word of God to help us do what is right in the sight of God for every challenge we face. Don’t wait until you’re in doubt to pull your Bible out. Spend time with God in His word daily so that your conduct will reflect your maker.

READ: Ephesians 4:17-31