Philippians 2:25 

“But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus — my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need —”

Paul describes Epaphroditus as a brother, as a coworker and as a ‘fellow soldier’. Paul is well aware that the battle was not just against flesh and blood but rather…

“Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  Ephesians 6:12 

Being aware that there is an enemy is a critical part of serving as a soldier. Civilians have the luxury of being unaware – but the soldier does not have this luxury and so he must act accordingly…

“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”  II Timothy 2:4

Jesus is the C.O.  

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18)

Paul and Epaphroditus as well as you and I are fellow soldiers serving under his command to make disciples as we go.  

Prayer. 

Heavenly Father, please help me not to become entangled by civilian clutter and stuff but to live my life with fellow soldiers under the command of Jesus.  Amen!