Commitment and Courage

Change of Command

Moments of excitement and waves of humility overcame Jim and me as we watched a dear friend’s change of command in the military. The parade ground was packed with troops in formation-troops who stood there over an hour, long before the ceremony even began.

Flying high were the flags representing our nation, the State of Hawaii, and every unit that serves and deploys from this U.S. Army base. They whipped in the trade winds that continually gust along the acreage that make up the famous Schofield Barracks. The ragged peaks of the Koolau mountains reached heavenward as the backdrop behind the parade grounds as the tropical sun shone down on all present.

We sat under one of the many awnings set up around the platform where four U.S. Army officers and commanders were coming and going, changing and receiving new responsibilities in 13 time zones, 9 countries, and 4 states.

I have to admit that I was overwhelmed as I read the biographies and intently listened to the introductions of each of the four officers, including my friend Patricia. Their lives have been spent in universities, specialized schools, training centers, and over multiple deployments.

They’ve faithfully poured their lives into study and training to equip and mature themselves for greater usefulness. Their families, who had sacrificed alongside them, were also present to proudly support them. Then there were their parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends who gathered from around the world to celebrate and take part in honoring and supporting the commitment their loved ones made to serve our country.

Assessing Commitments

Sitting there in the visitor’s stands, I couldn’t help but be greatly convicted about my own commitments. These officers and their soldiers had committed themselves to giving their lives, if necessary, to defend our country. What was I committed to? And how seriously? How deeply? How fervently? What commitments could, and should, I be making for my Lord and His Kingdom? What commitments could, and should, I be making to my family and friends? My church?

I had to ask myself, am I increasing in my study of the Bible, purposefully choosing to grow as I serve the Lord and His people? Am I competent? Am I faithful? Am I committed to keep advancing as a child of God? Is there any “sacrifice” involved at all?

When Jim and I walked away from that ceremony we came away thrilled with all of the tradition and proud of the determination of those troops, but also sobered with the reality of what it means and looks like to be truly committed to something, a cause, a creed, a country—a set of beliefs.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, Thank you for each and every military veteran in this great country. Help me to learn to commit and sacrifice the way these men and women do every day. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

If you wish to learn more life lessons from great leaders in the bible like Paul and Timothy, you will find a great resource in Jim’s book, A Leader After God’s Own Heart.

REFLECT:

What does an evaluation of how I spend my time reveal about my sacrifice, commitment, and dedication? What does it reveal about my purpose and focus? My goals?

How does seeing someone else display a fervent commitment inspire you to do the same?

REMEMBER:

May we remember the tradition and determination of the officers and soldiers who defend our country, and be inspired to live a life of commitment to the Lord and His Kingdom.