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.
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.
Ephesians 6:12&13 (ESV)
Trenches—long, deep ditches dug as protective defenses—are most often associated with World War I. Trench warfare was employed primarily on the Western Front, an area of northern France and Belgium that saw combat between German troops and Allied forces from France, Great Britain and, later, the United States.
Long, narrow trenches were dug into the ground at the front, usually by the infantry soldiers who would occupy them for weeks at a time. They were designed to protect World War I troops from machine-gun fire and artillery attacks from the air.
At least initially in World War I, forces mounted attacks from the trenches, with bayonets fixed to their rifles, by climbing over the top edge into what was known as “no man’s land,” the area between the opposing forces, usually in a single, straight line and under a barrage of gunfire.
What staying in the trenches means:
- Be a good infantry soldier. Embody the character and values you want others to see. If you want their best effort, it’s essential that those around you recognize your own dedication to your mission.
- Do your job—no matter what. Put in the same hours or longer and don’t avoid challenging tasks. Make yourself available to offer additional expertise and lend a helping hand when you see a need.
- Be dependable and accountable. Be responsible for your own good or bad choices—accept affirmation when deserved but also be prepared to accept the consequences if you fail.
- Fix your bayonet. You may be called upon to climb up out of the trenches and do battle—even dangerous hand-to-hand combat—while also under threatening gunfire from the enemy.
Staying in the trenches can be demanding—but it can also be exhilarating. You get to see what your brothers and sisters are dealing with day in and day out and you share the camaraderie, excitement, and satisfaction from successes both big and small. In this battle, you are fighting for God and His values. Onward Christian soldiers! May you endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ!