In the middle ages, the joust became a very popular event. It was a battle between warriors of the noble class showing off their skills to win prizes. It was very dangerous and violent.
The event mainly served as entertainment for the people, but there were a couple secondary benefits. It kept the skills of these professional soldiers sharp, and it served as an outlet for their aggression. Knights were raised for the purpose of battle. They went through years of rigorous training from a young age so that they could effectively fight wars. If that kind of skill isn’t put into practice, there is a high chance they might lose it or find themselves getting into trouble.
Something very similar can happen when a Christian doesn’t actively practice their faith. Christians have been created for a very important purpose: to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18-20). The New Testament tells us that we are to be soldiers for Christ in this effort (1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:3). We have been issued weapons to fight this battle (2 Cor. 10:4-6; Eph. 6:17), we have been fitted with armor to protect us (Eph. 6:11-18), and we have been taught how to use them (2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16-17). If we do not put these into practice, we will lose them, and we will probably find ourselves getting into trouble.
It is hard for a lazy Christian to remain a Christian. A soldier of Christ requires training. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” If we are lazy in our studies, we will grow weak in the knowledge of the Bible.
A soldier of Christ also requires missions. The gospel message was the primary drive for Paul and the early church. Paul said in Acts 20:24, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” If we are lazy in sharing the gospel, we will lose our purpose.
When Christians forget their purpose, it becomes much easier to fall into sin. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 tells us of Christians who stopped working and became disorderly and busybodies. Instead of being occupied with the Lord’s work, they fixated on the affairs of others. What was Paul’s solution? In verse 13, he tells us, “…do not grow weary in doing good.”
As soldiers of Jesus Christ, we have the most important purpose in the entire world: to bring souls to Jesus. If we want to remain in Christ, we cannot neglect our purpose.