Do As The Romans Do by Phil

In their heyday, the ancient Romans had several military formations for soldiers going into battle. One of these was called the Testudo (or tortoise). The soldiers would march in rows in the shape of a square, with the first row holding their large shields in front. The sides and back would also hold their shields to the sides and behind, while the inner soldiers would hold their shields overhead. In this formation, each soldier was not only covering himself, but also his buddies on each side, making the entire group almost impervious to attack from the enemy's fiery arrows.

We often talk about the church being a family, and it is. But the church is also God's army standing against the ultimate enemy, Satan. Even though the final victory was assured by Jesus' death and resurrection, don't think for a minute that the battle is not still ongoing. Paul commands us in Ephesians 6:16 to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." The Roman "Tortoise" formation is a great illustration of how the members of the church should stand together, side by side in unity, to face our opponent.

What would happen if one of those Roman soldiers decided one day that he would rather sleep in, or maybe go to the Colosseum to catch a show, or even to Trajan's Market to do a bit of shopping? There would be a gap in the formation - a spot of undefended weakness just waiting for a crafty enemy attack. The same is true for us as members of the church. We don't just attend for our own benefit. We are also there to lift up our brothers and sisters and present a unified front against our ever-present enemy. Remember Hebrews 10:24-25? "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Streaming of worship services is great for those who can’t physically attend. When the weather is bad, Pam and I will have church at home by watching a service. But this falls far short of being there in person. You can “watch” church at home, but you can’t “be” the church on your sofa. If you are physically able, get up off your comfy couch and come to church! (You should probably change out of your PJs first.) Don’t just be a spectator or consumer, jump in and participate. Shake a hand, give a hug, sing along, pray for one another, consider how you can apply what you learn to your daily life over the next week. Better yet, invite someone and bring them with you! I have yet to see a church without a seat for one more.

The church is a wonderful tool established by God to carry out His work in this world, but the church will become ineffective if it is merely a collection of passive people. God is alive and moving today, and so should the church.

Grab your shield and battle buddy and let’s get down to the business of church - carrying out God’s will and mission on this earth. Until He returns, there is plenty to keep us busy.
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Onward Christian soldiers!
Phil and Pam

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