“The Christian army is the only army that shoots and buries its wounded” ~ Dr. Freddie Gauge

This quote by Southern Baptist evangelist Freddie Gauge does well to play into the shock factor that appalls the Church, but just enough to cause them to stop and think.

Although truly shocking as quote, I only partially agree with it.

Yes, the Body of Christ is an Army. I wouldn’t dispute this portion of this quote. This is Biblical (2 Timothy 2:4; Psalm 144:1).

Is it true that the Christian army shoots and buries its wounded? Sure. Look around and you see it all the time. Religion suffocates the grace out of fellowship (1 Corinthians 6:12). It drives people away, affirms their sin when it shouldn’t be affirmed, and criticizes others who are struggling when they only need to be encouraged (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Yes the Church shoots their own and buries the wounded (Romans 14:12-13; 1 Corinthians 4:5). Christ doesn’t though. This is an entirely humanistic development and offshoot of authentic Christianity.

Where this quote is wrong and entirely overgeneralized however when it uses the powerful word, only. The Christian Church is by far not the only entity that does this, as people are fleshly and entirely self centered. Truly the Church should be the only entity that doesn’t shoot their wounded and bury them.

Be different. Live sanctified which means to be set aside. Live different.

Be a medic in the army of Christ, who as you charge onto the battlefield, seeing those already wounded, stay and be a hand who helps them heal (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Never leave a soldier behind.

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