OUTSIDE THE WIRE

My granddaughter is a member of our U.S. Military and is stationed in Afghanistan. Because she has left the 'safety' of U. S. soil, I have become more and more interested in what the military does, the terminologies they use, etc.

I've learned that a F.O.B. is short for Forward Operating Base, which is the main base of operation from which all missions in that geographical area are conducted. And, I've learned what a Fobbit is as well. A Fobbit is a name adapted from the "Lord of the Rings" movies in which there were characters (Hobbits) that are normally loving and peaceful, who pretty much stayed at home and raised their little families, took care of their little gardens, and lived very peaceful lives for the most part. In the movies, several such characters were very brave and stepped out of their 'normal' way of life to defeat the evil one from controlling their world and the world of others.

So the military now uses the term 'Fobbit' to describe those soldiers whose duties require them to stay 'inside the wire' of the F.O.B.. Their contribution to the war effort and the ultimate success of the mission is dependent, in part, upon those who 'stay inside the wire' and conduct the day-to-day business of managing information, training, base operations, and intelligence. These soldiers are called Fobbits.

The Fobbit's exposure is less obvious than that of the infantry, special ops, field suppliers, as these are 'outside the wire,' engaging an enemy that cannot always be seen. An enemy that buries explosive devices in the path of those who are transporting troops, or carrying supplies to the troops. An enemy that uses children to lure a soldier to help, only to find that it is a trap.

To be a Fobbit is an honorable service as well, for they are the backbone of the operation to support the troops who are out in the field. One risk for them, is that they are always in the same place which makes them a static target, on a regular basis, for mortar attacks. They are always there, do not move around, the enemy always knows where they are and takes advantage of every opportunity to fire upon the F.O.B. in hopes of killing, injuring, or destroying equipment.

As I consider this military structure, it gives me pause to see that the true church of Jesus Christ operates much in the same manner. The followers of Christ are gifted and trained by the Holy Spirit for their particular assignment in the war against the evil one. For many, that assignment involves the teaching of the Word of God, supplying the information needed for a good soldier to carry out his duties. 'Inside the wire' of the church, encouragement, healing, structure, cleansing, and training are being conducted but the goal of all remains the same....take back what the enemy has stolen.

Those soldiers who are trained and skilled at confronting the enemy on his territory, go 'outside the wire' and conduct the rules of engagement against an enemy that is already defeated but is wreaking havoc in the lives of souls this side of eternity.

Are you a 'Fobbit' and conducting warfare from 'inside the church'? Are you building the troops, building disciples of Christ that will take the war to the streets? Giving them the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit and all the armor of God, so that they will stand against an enemy that cannot be seen and who uses every tactic to destroy souls before they can know how much Jesus loves them? Giving the basic training they need to follow the orders laid out so clearly, for the soldier of Christ?

Are you the soldier that goes 'outside the wire' and engages the enemy where he is? Are you the soldier that takes it to the street, always being aware of the snares that may be hidden from you to defeat or distract you from your mission?

It is an honorable thing to be part of God's Army, a soldier of the Cross, whether you work 'inside the wire' of the church or 'outside the wire' in enemy territory.

You have an assignment. It is temporary. Make it count!