From The Warfighter's Study Bible
One of my earliest childhood memories is of a picture that my mother kept enshrined on her chest of drawers. In a five-by-seven-inch gold frame is a black-and-white photo of my uncle, TECH 5 Henry Noska, United States Army.
My Uncle Henry, from Brainerd, Minnesota, enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1941, joining the 194th Tank Battalion. From FL. Lewis, he deployed to the Philippine Islands. Two months after completing the Bataan Death March, he died of malaria. He's buried in the Manila American Military Cemetery.
Uncle Henry's service and sacrifice are a reminder that the calling to Military life is a commitment to serve a greater order than just yourself. Yet along the way of service before self, some fall to temptations of careerism - an obsession with personal advancement within the system, usually at the expense of others. The result is that competitive jealousies can sap unit cohesion and bonds of trust become breached.
Followers of Jesus can curb such self-seeking, prideful appetites. Our calling to the Armed Forces is under the care, guidance, and direction of our God. As the wise writer of Proverbs notes, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps* (Proverbs 16:9). With confidence in God's step-by-step oversight, we can approach whatever assignment, task, or stationing we are given with quiet strength and tempered enthusiasm, knowing he oversees and watches our way.
As we approach our postings, we need to fulfill our duties with an attitude of gratitude. Supervisory leaders have formally evaluated our performance. counseled us, and offered mentoring guidance. Many of these leaders stuck their necks out" on our behalf to give us inspiring fitness reports. Paul commands us to, "Pay to all what is owed them... respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed" (Romans 13:7). We pay gratitude and give honor to these mentors for their part in getting our promotion packets ready. In doing so, we exhibit reverence and due regard for those God has placed over us.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to help others-at all levels within our units—and to do so with grace and humility. Paul's writing to Christians reminds us, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 23). In non-defensive ways, we assess our strengths and limitations, and applaud the gifts, talents, and graces of our peers, and so bear witness to the compassion, care, and love that is ours in Christ Jesus.
Uncle Henry's picture accompanied me throughout Army service, and was a constant reminder of the seriousness of the Armed Forces commitment. It inspired and broadened my perspective.
Remember, the privilege of serving in the Armed Forces tradition is ours. Be responsible servants, empowered by our Most High God.
More Scripture for Further Study
Psalm 37:3-7
Proverbs 15:33
Luke 22:25-26
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