From The Warfighter's Study Bible
I'll never forget the first advice I received when I joined the Military community, "Make yourself at home no matter how long you will be at a duty station."
This practical advice not only applied to my personal life, but also to my spiritual life. I've learned to make it a priority to attend worship at a chapel or church whenever I can.
Operational tempos and frequent changes in location make it challenging for Service members to get involved in a chapel or church. But staying connected to the body of Christ is important.
God has a place for you whether your orders are short or long term. You might feel uncomfortable being the new person, but don't miss out on what God has for you by isolating yourself from the body of Christ.
When you find a local chapel or church, go ahead and get involved-join a small group, a Sunday school class, or a service project-and engage. Look for ways to serve God's people. As the writer of Hebrews says, "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The duration of orders does not relieve us from the need to live in community with other believers. We benefit from the encouragement and influence of brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't downplay the importance of Paul's instruction just because you live a transitory lifestyle.
In many ways, we need these connections more than many because of the challenges that come with serving in our nation's Military.
God has a place for everyone in the body of Christ. Believe this truth and prayerfully let God show you how to connect with other Christians.
The fact that you are a mobile Service member is no surprise to God. He called you to this life of serving our nation, and he will not overlook you rightly places you where you belong.
Your Military orders don't change the truth of these words. When we hold back, thinking that six months or a year is too little time to invest in a new chapel or church, everyone misses out on what God has planned. God can use the time you invest, no matter how short, to help you minister to others, reaching the world through the body of Christ.
More Scripture for Further Study
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
1 Corinthians 12:18-21, 27
Hebrews 10:24-25
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