Thank God for Soldiers

 

 

We celebrated Veterans’ Day yesterday. I think of my father when I think of Veteran’s Day. I was born an army brat–born at Fort Hood while my father served.  He was one of seven brothers (pictured above) who all served their country in the military—the older four during World War II, the younger three during the relatively peaceful time of the 1950s and early 1960s.  Two were career soldiers, five were officers, and one (top right) did not come home. In a sense, I live in their shadow and have a great sense of unworthiness as I enjoy the freedoms they fought to preserve.

This day is to honor all those willing to fight, whether they actually fought or not. That is the heart of true soldiers (including all sailors, marines, and airmen).  They are not in it for the pay or the great college benefits—although they deserve every benefit they get. They see their role and their cause as greater than themselves.

Jesus recognized the same difference in mentality when he talked about the difference between a true shepherd and a hireling.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. (John 10:11-13).

In this sense, we must all be soldiers.  We must be about pleasing the One who called us 2 Timothy 2:4. I must get lost in something bigger than myself. However, often what I find myself doing though is reverting back to self-interest and self-preservation.  Then my life becomes about my work, my family, my hobbies, even my own pleasure—sometimes all of those at the same time.  That kind of living is bondage.

Lord, life becomes more simple

When all I seek is You,

When walking in Your Spirit

Is all that I pursue,

When knowing You are with me

Is all the light I need,

When all my heart is hungry

For You to shape and lead. (Ken Bible)

Thank those who have served on our behalf.  Do not forget that though they have left the battle, the battle has not left them. They need our love and honor.  And don’t forget that just like everyone else, they need Jesus too.

To our service men and women, thank you for your service.  Our gratitude seems so insufficient, not only for what you did for us and for your country, but also for what you were willing to do. May I become more like you.