Becoming a Soldier of Christ: Staying Focused to Finish Your Race

Hey everyone, it’s Pierre Laguerre here. I’m excited to kick off a new three-part series on my blog and the Time to Transform Your Mind podcast. We’re diving into what it means to live as a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer, starting with the soldier of Christ. This series will also be covered in my Saturday and Sunday LIVE meetings on PDREnglish.com.

Today, we’re talking about what it means to live as a soldier of Christ—someone who’s focused, committed, and ready to run the race God has set before them. When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he didn’t describe believers as people just coasting through life or sitting on the sidelines. No, he called us soldiers. That’s a powerful image, and it’s one we need to lean into if we’re going to finish strong.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV) | Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

That scripture sets the tone for what we’re diving into today. The Christian life isn’t a casual stroll through the park. It’s a purposeful, strategic race toward a prize that will never fade. To cross that finish line, we need the mindset of a soldier. So, let’s break this down in a way that’s real, relatable, and easy to carry with you—whether you’re listening on Spotify while driving or reading this at home.

Becoming a Soldier is to Embrace Discipline

First off, soldiers are disciplined. Think about it: a good soldier doesn’t just wake up and wing it. They train consistently. They submit to authority. They prepare even when there’s no battle on the horizon. That’s the kind of focus we need as believers. Paul reminds us that discipline is key if we’re going to run our race well.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) | Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

You can’t run a marathon carrying a backpack full of distractions or worldly worries. Soldiers know there’s a war to fight, and they prepare when others are sleeping. So, ask yourself: What’s weighing you down? What distractions or habits are slowing your pace? Lay them aside and keep your eyes on the goal.

Soldiers Know Their Mission

Next, soldiers don’t wander aimlessly. They have a mission, and they follow orders with purpose. As believers, our mission is clear: to please the One who enlisted us—Jesus Christ. That means our primary focus isn’t chasing comfort, popularity, or even personal success. It’s about obedience to God.

Matthew 8:9 (NIV) | For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.

John 4:34 (NIV) | My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.

That’s the kind of focus we need. When you center your life on pleasing God, everything else falls into place. It’s like a soldier who knows their commanding officer’s orders and doesn’t get sidetracked by what’s going on around them. Stay locked in on your mission, and let God handle the rest.

Soldiers Expect Opposition

Here’s another truth: soldiers aren’t surprised by battles. It’s what they’re trained for. Paul told Timothy, “Endure hardship like a good soldier.” Notice he didn’t say avoid hardship. He said endure it. Expect it. Push through it.

John 16:33 (NIV) | In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Being a soldier of Christ means you don’t quit when things get tough. You know the victory is already secured through Jesus, but you’re called to keep fighting the good fight by faith until you see that victory in your life. Hardship isn’t a sign you’re off track—it’s part of the journey. So, stand firm and keep moving forward.

Real-Life Inspiration: Louis Zamperini

Let me share a story that brings this to life. Louis Zamperini was an Olympic runner who became a World War II soldier. His life was anything but easy. He survived a plane crash, spent 47 days on a life raft in the middle of the ocean, and endured two years in brutal Japanese prison camps. Most people would’ve given up, but Louis didn’t. He stayed focused on hope, survival, and, later, forgiveness through his faith in Christ.

His story is a powerful reminder that true soldiers endure beyond what seems humanly possible. When you feel like you’re at your breaking point, remember Louis and keep pressing on.

A Soldier in Scripture: The Apostle Paul

If you want a biblical example of a soldier of Christ, look no further than Paul. This man went through it all—shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment—and yet he kept preaching, writing, and reaching people for Jesus. At the end of his life, he could say with confidence:

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) | I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

That’s the heart of a true soldier. Paul didn’t let the storms of life stop him, and neither should we.

Final Word

Listen, you weren’t saved to sit on the sidelines. God enlisted you to run a race, fight the good fight, and finish strong. So, take a moment to check your heart. Are you entangled in distractions? Are you weighed down by things that don’t matter in eternity? Or are you running with everything you’ve got to please the One who called you?

The God who enlisted you deserves your best. Be the soldier He’s called you to be. Stay disciplined, stay focused on your mission, and don’t let opposition steal your victory. That’s how you’re becoming a soldier of Christ. You’ve got this—not because of your strength, but because of His.

Join the Journey

I’m so excited to continue this three-part series with you! If this message about being a soldier of Christ resonated, don’t miss the next two parts where we’ll explore the athlete and the farmer. You can catch these discussions during my LIVE meetings on Saturday and Sunday at PDREnglish.com. These sessions are a great way to connect, ask questions, and grow in your faith alongside others who are running this race.

Also, be sure to check out the Time to Transform Your Mind podcast on Spotify or your favorite platform. I’m dropping new episodes regularly, packed with practical insights and biblical encouragement to help you live with purpose and faith. If you’re loving this content, share it with a friend or family member who could use some inspiration to keep pressing forward.

Explore More on the Blog

Want more resources to fuel your spiritual growth? Head over to TimeToTransformYourMind.com and explore the blog. I’ve got articles on everything from overcoming fear to building a stronger prayer life. Each post is designed to equip you with tools to stay focused and live out your God-given calling. Bookmark the site and check back often for new content!

I’d love to hear how this message spoke to you. Drop a comment on the blog or reach out on social media to share your thoughts. What’s one distraction you’re laying aside to run your race with endurance? Let’s encourage one another as we pursue God’s purpose for our lives. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and join our community at PDREnglish.com for more ways to grow and stay connected.

Thanks for joining me today. If this spoke to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement. Let’s keep running this race together. Until next time, stay strong and keep the faith.