A spiritual commando

When I first got a letter telling me to go for a Vocational Assessment to be a Commando for my NS, I was excited. It has been my dream to enter into the Guards unit for my NS and now I have a "better" deal! Of cos to some, my response may seem to be crazy, mad and irrational. In fact, for many, going to the army is a waste of time and a dread. But for me, army is like the best time of my life! Maybe its because of the prestige and status that comes with being a Commando that got me all excited. Nonetheless, I could not understand up till today why many young man would find NS, especially if they end up in Commandos, pointless, torturous, unfruitful etc.

But I realize that the very same attitude I detest about guys who complains about NS is the same attitude I carry into my Christian life when I meet difficult moments! I complain and I run away. But if I understand Scriptures correctly, in a certain sense, my "vocation" on earth is to be a Christian. And to be a "tough" Christian, it is necessary to go through "tough" training. So, why do I then not embrace those trials and difficulties like the way I embrace my vocation as a Commando?

James 1:2-4 says,

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I now begin to see the REALITY of this verse. I need to grow to become a spiritual Commando!