Endurance, Training & Willingness to Sacrifice
Yesterday many people had a day off of work in honor of those who have served our nation in the armed forces. It made me pause to think about the sacrifices made by those who choose to serve and about the camaraderie there often is between those who have served. Not every generation ends up in battle, but every person who enlists does so knowing that it is a possibility. They also know that training is going to be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging, but making through the trials gives them the confidence and endurance that they may one day need.
While contemplating these thoughts, it occurred to me that Jesus Christ and his apostles were the original example for the selfless sacrifice described above. They too worked together as a team for a greater good than themselves alone. They were challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and those shared challenges and goals developed the camaraderie, confidence and endurance they needed for the battles they faced.
Maybe you’ve heard the saying “Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.” Today, let’s take time to appreciate them both and to and let them serve as examples to live selflessly with confidence and endurance in a way that is pleasing to God.
John 15:12-14
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the life that lasts forever. You were chosen to receive it. You have spoken well about this life in front of many people.