CAV Spirit
Here is the devotional I presented at the Commanding General's meeting today:
May God bless our Soldiers and their families and our coalition partners.
“Only those are fit to live who are not afraid to die.”
-Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Gen. MacArthur was speaking to the truth that the willingness to sacrifice one’s own life, the willingness to be brave in the face of death, was a willingness that allows one to truly live.
But that’s easier said than done. Most humans instinctively fear death. While many are brave on the battlefield, far more spend their lives trying to avoid the one thing that is inevitable: death.
Billions of dollars are spent on surgeries, medicines, cosmetics, and who knows what else, all to lengthen our lives, even a little. Countless people are made rich while peddling the latest cure to aging, or promising a longer life. But in the end we all end up in the same place.
However, if we can face our deaths- and find peace- we will be free to truly live as we ought. The Good News is that, in spite of all the cures for aging and the attempts to extend life, there already exists a cure for death. God Himself has assured us that, through faith, we have eternal life and need not fear the transition from this life to eternal life.
Let’s apply this to our own lives. If we know we have eternal life, how should this change how we live this life? God frees us from the fear of death, and in doing so He makes us fit to live. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The victory over death has been won. Now we must live like we believe it.
May God bless our Soldiers and their families and our coalition partners.
“Only those are fit to live who are not afraid to die.”
-Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Gen. MacArthur was speaking to the truth that the willingness to sacrifice one’s own life, the willingness to be brave in the face of death, was a willingness that allows one to truly live.
But that’s easier said than done. Most humans instinctively fear death. While many are brave on the battlefield, far more spend their lives trying to avoid the one thing that is inevitable: death.
Billions of dollars are spent on surgeries, medicines, cosmetics, and who knows what else, all to lengthen our lives, even a little. Countless people are made rich while peddling the latest cure to aging, or promising a longer life. But in the end we all end up in the same place.
However, if we can face our deaths- and find peace- we will be free to truly live as we ought. The Good News is that, in spite of all the cures for aging and the attempts to extend life, there already exists a cure for death. God Himself has assured us that, through faith, we have eternal life and need not fear the transition from this life to eternal life.
Let’s apply this to our own lives. If we know we have eternal life, how should this change how we live this life? God frees us from the fear of death, and in doing so He makes us fit to live. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The victory over death has been won. Now we must live like we believe it.
posted by Christian | 3:08 PM
2 Comments:
Wow, that was good. You know, that would also apply spiritually, i.e. giving up your life for the Gospel and for Jesus Christ. It's a battle alright! But it's also a workplace, and it requires hard labour. Once we've started, we may not turn back, because we then deny the grace of God on our own lives. We deny His salvation and trample His love on the ground.
Luke 9:62: "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God."
I have this verse framed up on my office table, and my eyes fell on it as I read your post.
God bless!!!! :-)
Hey Chris, I usually don't comment on blogs, but it has been quite a joy to read about your ministry and thoughts... powerful and inspirational stuff... and quite a nourishing diversion from the work that I have been called to do. You have my deepest respect and appreciation, as well as my family's prayers for you and yours.
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