closing ranks

When the armies of ancient times went off to battle, the soldiers stood side by side. Their shields protected themselves from the offense of the enemy, and their shields protected one another. The cumulative work of the shields also created an impenetrable barrier that kept everyone behind that wall of safety.

Who was kept safe by the first line's wall of shields? The second, third, and fourth line. The army's cooks, supply people and it's general or King. The wall of shields also protected the wounded. Those who had been injured on the front lines were able to crawl toward the back or be dragged out of harm's way by support staff. The front line simply "closed ranks" to cover the loss of a wounded man.

Christians must work together. When one is wounded by the battle of life, we cannot throw them away. We simply must close ranks, keep working on our mission, and give the wounded person time to heal. We do not throw away those who have had a moral failure. We do not excommunicate those who are broken. We protect them. If there is ever a time for grace to shine, it is when a brother or sister has fallen. They are not the enemy. The enemy still lies before us.

In our love, we must care for those who have been injured by life or by their own bad decisions. It is not our job to discuss their wounds, for there is still a battle going on. We must focus on our mission, part of which is loving one another.

So, the next time you see one of God's soldiers crawling off in pain, just love them. Bless them, help them. Support them. Wounded Christians need our care. They need God's grace. We can never judge them or throw them away. Grace closes ranks around the wounded.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.