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“How can anything be so thrilling and yet so sobering?”
This question was repeated over and over in my heart as Jim and I celebrated yet another military change of command for a dear friend and neighbor. The parade ground was packed with troops in formation who had been standing there for well over an hour before the ceremony even began.
Flags representing our nation, the State of Hawaii, and each unit that served and deployed from this U.S. Army base whipped in the trade winds that nipped at the miles and miles of acreage that make up the famous Schofield Barracks. The ragged peaks of the Koolau mountains reached majestically heavenward as the backdrop behind the parade grounds and the tropical sun shone down on all present.
We sat in reserved seats 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.
I was overwhelmed reading their biographies and hearing the introductions of each of the four officers, including my friend Patricia. Their lives have been spent in universities, specialized schools, training centers, and multiple deployments. They have faithfully poured their time into study and training to equip and mature themselves for greater usefulness. Their sacrificial families were there—spouses, and children of all ages—as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends who had gathered from around the world to celebrate and take part in honoring and supporting the commitment their loved ones have made to serve our country.
Sitting in the stands, I couldn’t help but be greatly convicted about my own commitments. These officers and 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 I be making for my Lord and His Kingdom program? What commitments could I be making to my family, my friends, my church?
I asked 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?"
And what does an evaluation of how I spend my time reveal – about sacrifice, about commitment, about dedication? About purpose and focus? About my goals?
When Jim and I walked away from that ceremony, we came away thrilled with all of the tradition and proud of the determination of these 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—indeed, a set of beliefs.
Lord, may I be truly committed to Your work and Your Kingdom, serving well in my church and community. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES:Learn more life lessons from great leaders in the Bible, like Paul and Timothy, in Jim’s book and great resource A Leader After God’s Own Heart.
How does seeing someone else display a fervent commitment inspire you to do the same? How can I use my time to live sacrificially?
Purposefully choose to grow as you serve the Lord and His People. Commit to keep advancing as a child of God.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
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