"The only easy day was yesterday."
The Navy Seals
Nobody wins by just showing up. The Navy Seals remind me that character and victory are forged by adversity. It is the ethos of this special breed of warrior:
I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own. I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.
We expect to lead and be led.... I lead by example in all situations. I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight. [1]
There is bravado and then there is bravery. There is hype and then there is honor. There is whining and then there is working. There is selfishness and then there is service. In each case the Navy Seals embody the latter.
Do I?
Following Christ is not effortless or easy. Paul, the equivalent of a spiritual Navy Seal if there ever was one (click here to see his challenges), reminds us that we are to put on the whole armor of God because we fighting against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.[2]To Timothy, he said, "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." [3]
Yes, the only easy day was yesterday. Today, you are at war. No whimpering. No whining. No wallowing in self pity! Character is forged by adversity.
Where are you serving as a "soldier of Christ" today?
Put on the whole armor. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.[4]
Yes, the battle will be difficult, but you will win the war.
Hoorah!
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[1] "Forged By Adversity." Found at the Official Naval Warfare Website, www.sealswcc.com. Accessed June 26, 2012.
[2] Ephesians 6:11-12 NLT
[3] 2 Timothy 2:3 ESV
[4] 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV