Pilgrim Soldier

So The Salvation Army is changing its rank system back to that before General Gowans did his long consultation several years ago. The reasons that have been made public for this so far, as well as the opinions of those who have so far expressed them, seem to be humanity driven, rather than for real Kingdom building reasons. What do I mean?

Well, firstly there is the opinion that people might think it strange that the majority of officers would only receive one promotion under the old system, from Captain to Major after 15 years. Maybe I’m being a little dense, but why would anyone think this is strange? Does it really matter which rank we hold when we should be thinking in Kingdom terms?

The second thought I’ve seen expressed is that we need newly commissioned officers to be given the title Lieutenant as it shows people that they are new and still undergoing training. Why is this necessary? The tacit suggestion there is that either we allow them to make more mistakes or that they aren’t to be taken too seriously until they get their first promotion! Either is a dangerous road to go down.

Over the years I have known many officers. Some have been excellent and have been ranked from Lieutenant through to General. Others have been motivated by things not of the Kingdom and have been ranked from Lieutenant to Colonel! I have seen senior officers treat lower ranked ones as insignificant because of their rank. This shows us that rank really isn’t that important in Kingdom terms, but Christlikeness is. Maybe that is how we should really reward officers through promotion! Promote the ones who are more like Christ, rather than it being based on years of service!

At the end of the day, whatever the discussion, the changes are being made and we need to make the best of it. Let’s make sure though that in considering every officer we don’t look at their rank, but their example of Christlikeness first and foremost. That is the true test of every Christian, officers included!