The Lord’s Army by E. M. Graham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 30, 1913

The Lord’s Army

By E. M. Graham

“THE strength of an army is measured largely by the efficiency of the men in the ranks. A wise general instructs his officers to train every soldier for active service. He seeks to develop the highest efficiency on the part of all. If he were to depend on his officers alone, he could never expect to conduct a successful campaign. He counts on loyal and untiring service from every man in his army.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 116.

The organization of our work is very similar to that of an army. Our conference officers represent the general and other officers who look after the general divisions of the army. Our church officers are the captains, and those associated with them are the regiments. But the strength of an army is measured largely by the efficiency of the men in

the ranks. The Lord’s army can be efficient only to the extent that the lay members co-operate with the officers. An army might have the most efficient and highly trained officers, but with untrained and undisciplined men it would be useless in time of war. How often does history tell us of a small well-trained army routing a very much larger one composed chiefly of raw, undisciplined men.

“And, of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.” 1 Chron. 12: 32, 33.

Here is a picture of the Lord’s army. First, the men who have understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. These are the men of experience, who study the situation, and what needs to be done to carry forward the Lord’s work. They are the men who have been selected to carry responsibilities,—conference officers, ministers, Bible workers, church officers. Their business is to know what Israel ought to do, to instruct and to lead in executing the plans.

Second, the fifty thousand who can keep rank, and are not of double heart. These are the lay members, the men and women whose efforts are necessary to the success of any and every plan.

The words “which could keep rank” are significant. They mean that the people must work together, work harmoniously, and that there must be no drawing apart. An army that cannot keep rank cannot stand against the enemy.

“They were not of double heart.” They have only one object in life,—to fight the battles of the Lord. This spirit, and this alone, will insure the victory. “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8. So a Sabbath-keeper whose heart is half in the message and half in the world, is unstable and a useless soldier to the Lord.

In worldly armies the best are those in which the officers and men are not only well trained and disciplined, but their hearts are filled with enthusiasm for the cause or country they serve. Such an army will carry all before it. The men composing it glory in their service, they consider it an honor to belong to the army, and are ready cheerfully to suffer any hardships and to die, as long as their army wins the battle.

How much more should the people of the Lord glory in their army! What enthusiasm for their Commander and his cause should animate them! They should go forth conquering and to conquer, irresistible in the might of their united efforts in the strength of the Lord. And they will, for there is a sound of a going among the people. Some churches are working well, and others are rousing themselves to active service.

The last and fiercest battle is before us. The length of it we ourselves shall determine. If we go forth unitedly, all of us, no rebels, stragglers, nor indifferent ones, all filled with a mighty enthusiasm, glorying in the Master we serve, ready to endure anything for him, even death, the struggle will not last long. We shall soon fight our way through to the holy city.

E. M. GRAHAM.