Happy Veteran’s Day. It is the morning of November 11, 2024, as I sit here to begin writing my ongoing testimony of my walk with Jesus. Today is a special day across our country as we honor the service and sacrifice of all United States Armed Forces military veterans. Special events and solemn services occur across our land, with many communities holding parades, breakfasts, and other thank-you events for their veterans. Annually, most churches honor their vets during Sunday services, and more and more restaurants are now offering free meals for vets on this day. It is a special day, as it should be. The sacrifice for our freedom has been tremendous, and it is fitting for all to say thanks to those who served.
I would have liked to have been out there this morning with fellow vets enjoying the festivities. A friend called a little while ago to see where I was, and we were both going to ride a float in our town’s parade and then head to the VFW for fellowship and breakfast. My friend hadn’t read my text from the previous evening to say I couldn’t make it. I decided I needed to stay at home to hibernate and work on this article. You see, I am very late in getting to it. Most other contributors have had theirs submitted for at least a week.
When Angela, our editor, notified us of the submission deadline, I knew I was in trouble. My time was utterly booked with work towards our Band of Brothers’ Help Us Help Kids Christmas Campaign. I led that project, which involved selling 1,000 calendars and collecting donations to raise $50,000 so needy families could have a nice Christmas meal. And underprivileged children would have some presents to open. It is a project near and dear to my heart, consuming much of my time from mid-September through December. But it is vital to the people we help; I feel called to do what I can. In the past, it wasn’t so difficult as I was younger and had considerably more energy and stamina. Such is not the case now that I have pushed north of 80 years old. But that is okay, as I have been and still am truly blessed, and I am more than happy to work with my Christian brothers trying to brighten Christmas for those less fortunate.
Angela responded that she understood if I couldn’t submit an article this time. But she did offer that if I could get something to her by the 15th, she would include it in this edition. Now, I could have easily passed on submitting something, which would have been okay with most people. It would soon be forgotten, no harm, no foul. However, I felt that decision came with dangerous consequences. I knew if I skipped this time, it would be easier to skip the next time when the going got tough. A few days ago, God reminded me in 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV) what He expected: “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” My choices were going to the parade and receiving the respect of onlookers, followed by a nice breakfast or serving Him like a “good soldier,” thereby pleasing Him. Now, enjoying people’s appreciation and filling my belly with good food might seem like the better deal. But for me, it didn’t; being a good, loyal soldier is more important. Following Jesus involves navigating through a maze of daily challenges presented by people and circumstances, with Satan lurking around every corner, saying, “Take it easy, have some fun, it’s okay to be lazy, and so on.” Each day, we must decide where our loyalty lies: to our selfish self, worldly activities, or God. Like Joshua, I choose God. Yes, those pancakes, eggs, and bacon would have tasted pretty good. However, I know I made the right choice, and it was easy to say, “Get behind me, Satan.”
I love the Apostle Paul’s instructions to Timothy in his two letters. Nearing his execution, Paul knew that he had finished his race by fighting the good fight and keeping the faith. He knew a “crown of righteousness” awaited him. In these letters, Paul was passing the torch of leadership to Timothy. Paul had completed the mission that Jesus had personally assigned Him: to preach the Gospel to the nations, including the Gentiles. Paul gave Timothy his mission: “Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” (2 Timothy 4:5 NIV) No matter what the hardship. Few knew as much hardship as Paul, and he knew that Timothy would face it, too, like most early Christians. Paul reminded Timothy that God had called him and encouraged him to continue in his good fight. His final instruction to Timothy, which applies to all Christians, was to stand courageously for the truth, know the Word, and allow yourself to be empowered by the Holy Spirit in carrying out your calling.
Paul likened God’s ministry to being a soldier, an athlete, and a gardener in his letters to Timothy. As a 23-year Air Force veteran, I can readily identify with the soldier comparison. In my day, there was a draft, and that was the calling, a letter from the draft board requiring your presence for a physical, which would determine your eligibility. Some of my friends were married like me, but they had children who got them a deferment, not me. So, I traveled to Pittsburgh with a bus load of other draftees for my physical. Even though near-sighted, underweight, and flat-footed, Uncle Sam deemed me fit for service. I had a very short time to decide what branch of service to enter. Fortunately, my decision allowed me to earn a commission in the Air Force through West Virginia’s ROTC program.
My calling to become a Christian soldier was nowhere nearly as dramatic as what Paul experienced on the road to Damascus. I have shared my journey to the cross several times. I was 70 at the time and found myself at the foot of the cross, where I gave my life to Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Everything changed when I became a Child of God. The Holy Spirit does that to you. Like Paul’s conversion, I was called for God’s purpose for me, which would become my mission, my ministry. We are all Christian Soldiers, servants of Christ, with specific God-given purposes for our lives. He has given each of us unique talents to accomplish those missions.
As a military man, I readily identify with and understand the importance of the concept of one’s mission. In the Air Force, I swore allegiance to my country as follows:
“I, (state your name), having been appointed a (rank) in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution Of the United States against all enemies, Foreign and domestic, that I bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So, help me God.”
I was assigned to various units over the years, each having a specific mission. All the service men and women in all branches of the Armed Forces collectively ensure our Constitution is protected. For each assignment, detailed rules, operations, and procedures must be followed. Everything is spelled out for you in your assigned duties. Individual judgment is allowed as long as it follows orders and regulations. These official rules, regulations, and verbal orders are not suggestions but commands that must be carried out. That is what obedience is, total compliance, which is not only the key to faithful execution of one’s responsibilities but also to the effectiveness of both your individual performance and your unit’s mission success.
“but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”
Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)
Servants of Christ
The same applies in the Kingdom of God, meaning it is no different for a Christian soldier–servants of Christ. In its broadest sense, my calling as an airman was “to protect and defend the Constitution.” As God’s soldier, it is “to do God’s will, not your will,” not anyone else’s will, but God’s will. Doing the will of God is the only thing that counts! Once He calls us and we are saved through Jesus, you are meant to do God’s will every day you wake up. Jesus speaks clearly in Matthew 7:21 that to enter heaven, you must “do the will of His Father in heaven.” Referring to my opening scripture, it doesn’t mean getting entangled in “civilian affairs,” as Paul instructed Timothy. In Romans 12:2, we are told to “not be conformed to this world.” As an airman, I wasn’t to get involved in civilian matters. Likewise, as a Christian soldier, I must be about God’s work, furthering His Kingdom. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:17 that we are to understand God’s will, and if we fail to do so, we are unwise and foolish.
What does “doing God’s will” mean? Early in my walk with Jesus, I struggled some with this. However, I soon learned it is very simple, nothing more than living according to His Word. I also learned that I had everything I needed to do His will: a willing heart, His grace, His Holy Spirit, and His Word, all of which have clarified my specific purpose to serve Him. The only thing I had to do now was to obey His Word, and His Truth today, tomorrow, forever. But it all started with a willing heart, without which I would have been saying no, not today, Lord, I’m too busy, maybe tomorrow. But His way was a choice I was willing to make, and I have never regretted it. One of the many exciting things I have learned is that obeying God’s will sustains me daily, just as Jesus said it would: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 NIV)Thanksgiving is just a couple weeks away as of this writing. If this blessing isn’t something to be eternally thankful for, I don’t know what is!
That is my testimony for this moment in time. Passing on the Veteran’s Day Parade was an easy decision as it allowed me to share with you how God sustains me and guides my quest to obey His will. Maybe you have the hunger and desire to find your real purpose in life. Perhaps you are lost–like I once was–realizing there must be more to life than the path you are currently on. No worldly endeavor will ever fulfill you. Just remember God loves you and has the most amazing mission awaiting you. If you feel He is calling you, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Christian friend or a pastor and begin to pray by asking God to guide you and to help you find Him. He will answer.
Until next time, hope you’ve had a Happy Thanksgiving, and a Merry Christmas.
Godspeed, Al
Main Feature Image: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington, VA © Alan Tucker; Article photos: © Alan Tucker; Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
