HONOR GOD AND OUR VETS BY BEING “GOOD SOLDIERS” OF CHRIST The Word of God urges, as Christians, to follow the example set by our military veterans - to be “good soldiers”, fully dedicated to Christ and His Kingdom (2 Timothy 2:1-4) as they are to defending our country and our freedom. This Sunday, we will be honoring our U.S. military veterans - those, from among us, who became “soldiers”; taking a solemn oath to give up their personal freedom and pursuits for a season to fully dedicate themselves to defending our country (and their fellow citizens) from all enemies “foreign and domestic” - and, if necessary, even at the cost of their own bodies and lives. We often forget that when a “soldier” takes his/her oath of enlistment, they become (legally) the “property” of the U.S. Armed Forces - no longer free to pursue their own lives, liberties and freedom, but duty-bound to obey all lawful orders of their superior officers regardless of the costs or the risks, under (literally) penalty of imprisonment or death. In a very real sense, they subjugate their own safety, freedoms and lives to the higher calling of defending their country, homes, families and our constitutional democracy which is the bedrock foundation of all of our laws, liberties and fundamental rights and beliefs. Likewise, when we submit ourselves, and our eternal souls, to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we should recognize an even more sacred oath (commitment) to seek to devote our entire hearts, souls and lives to Him and to His commands, His purposes, His Word, His Kingdom, and His eternal plan for all of our lives for eternity. Paul made this simple analogy: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”  2 Timothy 2:1-4 We are admonished as believers to “be strong in the Lord” [not in our own strength] and to put on “the whole armor of God” [see: Ephesians 6:14-18] for our battle is not one of flesh and blood but “...against the rulers, against the authorities, against the supernatural powers over this present darkness [the world], against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  [Ephesians 6:11-13] - to present our very [earthly] bodies “...as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is just our reasonable service [worship]” to our Lord who paid for us with His body and His blood.  (Romans 12:1-2) While God gives each of us differing gifts, strengths, and purposes, the ultimate the goal never changes.  Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love each other [all other human beings] as Christ loved us and gave himself for us! [Mark 12:30-31] If we strive to live as “good soldiers” of Christ, He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us and will empower us with His mighty right hand to accomplish His purposes for our lives. [Isaiah 41:9-16] And if we actually try our best, we will then be able to say with the apostle Paul (on that last day): “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!” [2 Timothy 4:6-8].   I was a “good soldier” for Christ. We then will receive indescribable eternal rewards, as Jesus welcomes us back to our true home (in Heaven in His presence) saying, “Well done, my good and faith servant!”   God’s best blessings and our most sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our veterans (and their families) for your service to our country. John Adams