Veteran’s Day passed this week without a lot of fanfare. Though getting a day off is always welcome, I’m not sure those enjoying that perk truly appreciate the cost and sacrifice it required. Can anyone who hasn’t served in the military or been related to someone who served ever really understand? Maybe not, but what we can recognize and appreciate is the safety and liberty we enjoy because of their sacrifice. How can we not be grateful for those willing to put their lives at risk to provide them? They deserve our gratitude every day. Isn’t it ironic that they do all the work, but we get the day off?
As I watched moving memorials and interviews with veterans of all ages, I thought of the commissioning ceremony our church held to send off one of our pastors for a tour of duty in the Middle East as an army chaplain followed by a recommissioning ceremony for his pastor role upon return. Both when he left in full military uniform and when he returned to his spiritual uniform, the congregation prayed over him. The locations where he worked may have changed along with his attire, but his vocation as a soldier for Christ did not.
Truth be told, all believers are foot soldiers for Christ wherever we reside and in whatever positions we hold. Our uniform is simply to be clothed in Christ's righteousness. We may not be responsible for an entire congregation or platoon, but we are responsible for our own small sphere of influence. God's battle plan includes all of us. The moment we became Christians, we joined an army of believers willing to live in service to Him out of gratitude for His sacrifice on our behalf.
Any military mission’s success is predicated on the condition of each member and how well they work together. Our mission (the Great Commission) is no different. It’s vital that we stay spiritual fit not only for ourselves but for others. We need to choose to rely on the Holy Spirit and each other for support – for faith when ours is waning, for prayers when we can’t find the words, for strength and courage to face any enemy attack. Jesus may have conquered death through His resurrection, but the battle for our souls wages on. However, with Christ continuing to lead the charge we know who wins in the end.
There’s no draft in Christ’s army. It operates on a strictly volunteer basis. Our service is done not to earn Christ’s love but because we already have his love – undeservedly so. It isn’t always easy or convenient or without sacrifice, but being on the front lines with Christ is an honor. He, too, did all the work yet we enjoy the benefits – including days off at Christmas and Easter.
The news coverage on Veteran’s Day was an excellent reminder to always express thanks to those who serve or served in our military. Even more important is choosing to start each day expressing gratitude to Christ for His incredible sacrifice, for “His willingness to serve, His commitment to our spiritual freedom and our eternal salvation. And then, be confident in your daily faith battles, knowing that you are equipped by God to be that faithful warrior that makes a difference in the world around you.”*
*https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/14192-veteran%27s-day-sermon