​This week, we will be going deeper into the phrase, ‘be on your guard’—the first instruction in this year’s Self-Denial scripture. Short of guard dogs and guard rails, what does ‘being on guard’ look like, and how might it apply to our sacrificial giving for this Self-Denial season?

Have you ever seen the guards at Buckingham Palace on television or real life?

Videos and photos show them in their bright red and black uniforms, with their distinctive black ceremonial helmets. But what you may not know is that they are each skilled soldiers, and in fact, among the best in the world. While their fancy uniforms might make them seem purely ornamental, they are very effective at defending what they have been tasked to protect.

The Salvation Army is a distinctive movement, whose uniforms and military structure came about in early 19th-century England to unify its members. The Sallies of today are part of a centuries-long history of social justice and loving Jesus.

But we are not merely ornamental. We ‘live, love and fight’ with weapons different to those found in the world. We are called to guard and defend those who cannot defend themselves. This is the love that Jesus demonstrates. We are also called to be on our guard in our discipleship and faith by being wise Christ-followers.

James 3:17 (NIV) tells us, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

Through this Self-Denial season, we can measure the outworking of this wisdom and service through the ministries that our Self-Denial funds help support.

We know, for example, that the work in Malawi, where The Salvation Army is working to prevent the abhorrent practice of marrying young girls, through education, reform and protection, is both a delicate and strong work. As they work with the most vulnerable, girls and their families in cultures that see this practice as necessary for the economy, while challenging those who are powerful and invested in the continuation of the practice for their own benefit—to change. We can serve alongside others to transform the future for children right now.

The giving of our sacrificial funds is not a token or ceremonial outworking just because we ‘should’ or because it looks good. It helps us be truly effective soldiers in the Kingdom of God, to protect and defend those who need it the most.

• In what ways do you think your sacrificial giving helps you to be ‘wise’?
• What other ways do you believeGod is calling you to ‘be onyour guard’ in your faith?
• Who has helped guard and protect you in your faith journey? How might your giving, motivatedby love, help others see God?

Dear Lord God, we thank you for your generous work in sending Jesus to give his life for our sake. We thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to help us stand firm in our lives and in our living with wisdom. Help us to be generous and sow peace with our offerings, motivated by a love that truly demonstrates an Army that brings life.

Amen.