“4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Suffering as a Christian 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:1-19 ESV)

Vague and ambiguous wording punishes the faithful one with obtuse, irrelevant, ill-intentioned, uptight, rude, and socially downgraded signs. What is it we are supposed to glean from such a sign? How can we “Get it together” around here? What is our moment of Truth, our Confession before the stars, our gratitude… was it meant as a sign of support? Was it meant as a sign of this epoch or that era, this public item or that present-day concern? What do they mean, 

“Don’t you… don’t you get it?”. Sometimes what we “get” is no compromise, no downgrading of our own status and person, no kissing up to a rather rude starefest, or to the one doing the stare.

Truth be told, O Soldier, if today is the day… then let it be said you died without design, without compromise, without either proud refusal to engage or meek kissing up to Satan. You had some principal and, whether voiced or forbidden to be voiced, it carried the day. It was wind in the sails. It was Distant Speak and end to that “sign” that distracts us for the next ponderous hour. We are Christians who observe signs of the times, observe signs of the Chosen One, observe the mellifluous variations on Language as interpreted ‘round here. To one, here is the right way to make a public “Friend request” (or “threat”?), and to others it works a little differently.

Dying is safeguarded because maybe they want the “movement” not the “man”, the “woman”. Maybe they want the “jefe” not the footsoldier. Maybe they are beguiled by just how approachable and publicly “Available” we are… no, let them live, they conclude. Rightly so, we might add, because for now at least… can we be grateful? That I have no artifice or designs on your person, on your fellowship, on your camaraderie? That I literally see myself—healthy self-confidence beeping alert—as your already Friend. Your already soul companion, trusted networking one, end to the social rudeness factor.

Such is the soldier’s attempts to Dialog. Such is the soldier’s attempts to Interpret… was I supposed to take on faith the origins of this publicly manifested “parable”? That “of course” it came from the person therein represented? So we motor along, not kissing up, but also not going all “defiant”. Here we are, you and me. Hmm. So what should come of this?

Hopefully our facial expression courts the seriousness of the entire exchange. Hopefully our chutzpah heralds a level of mutual respect, lest we lose the battle because of false self-imagery. We can lose because our self-image isn’t bold and audacious enough. We need chutzpah and daredevil Audacity. And we need to move beyond the natural, innate “fear” that our bold outlay will breed resentment and future punishment for we ourselves.

The Christian is always much more able to negotiate than is attributed. The Christian is always yes and amen to a new friend made. The Christian is always imputing the bestest of motives to the alter-ego, to the alternate, to the “friend on the train”. The Christian is a little bemused to be walking the streets Still, after all these years… remember some decades ago, the same panicky refusal to walk about… and now the stakes are it seems even higher. We are a nation at war. The world is strangely hiccupping and lunging forward: our own Gestalt, it is shifting and at times it can be frightful: am I wearied, too failed for the journey, second in command to a cruel lifestyle that reigns? Is my existential contentment, borne in a traumatic but sincere Encounter, now threatened by “Waking up” to what compromised lifestyle I live into? But to the battle front. To the deep affinity of soldier for fellow soldier, that we Know… frontline Engagement and Service. That it Matters we be decisive and project Strength, Fortitude, Modicum of Bravery, peace and the militant tactics needed to get there.