BLUF: MTOE for the Soul

When I was in combat arms units (often cavalry squadrons and light and/or mechanized infantry units), our Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) was just that … modified per the mission set. Today when I returned from an audiology appointment, I was again reminded of how things necessarily modify. My hearing (forgive the grammar) ain’t what it was when I began in the military, but it is what it is, as the saying goes. As I drove to work later, I came in and our supply and signal Soldiers helped install a new laptop and monitor in my office, and I was thrilled. Suddenly my documents were quickly accessible, and the colors were clear on my screen. There remain a few hiccups, of course, in terms of login information and the credentials on the ID card, but that is often the way it goes when you get new equipment. Trying to get the myriad systems to crosstalk invariably brings challenges.

But all these modifications got me thinking. These adaptive means are part and parcel of soldiering. How much more vital, then, is our spiritual readiness, our spiritual armor? It is so often referenced that I fear sometimes that we have become numb to it, but there is a vital passage of Scripture penned by the apostle Paul and written to Christians in Ephesus (a port city in modern-day Turkey), about the spiritual MTOE God’s people are to have:

 ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel . . . (Ephesians 6:11-19 ESV)

Encouragement: Our MTOE is comprised (among other things) of gear for the soul: 1) a recognition of the true enemy (Satan and his minions); 2) endurance; 3) courage; 4) faith in the trustworthiness of God; and 5) prayer. But above all, it’s simple perseverance, the refusal to quit. I have a buddy who is one of the humblest guys I know, but also one of the toughest. I have asked him on multiple occasions to tell me about those long nights and days in some of his rigorous schools and he invariably says this to me: “You just can’t quit. Just keep going.” Well, there you go. There it is.